We have mentioned mindfulness a couple of times already throughout the programme, and you have already completed two mindfulness introductory sessions. But what exactly is mindfulness? Have a quick search online to see how others perceive and define it.
The science behind mindfulness
Hands and Objects
Take your time
Mindfulness is a useful skill and like any skill, practice and patience are key to improving.
Did you know so much of our unhappiness and unease can arise from our response to the things that have nothing to do with what is in this moment?
If you pay attention to what your mind is doing, you’ll notice two strong tendencies:
The mind focuses on things other than what is happening right now
The mind continually evaluates our reality as either good or bad
These tendencies can cause us needless suffering. Focusing on the future can lead to fear and worry, most often about things that will never happen. Whereas ruminating on events from the past can lead to distress and regret about things that are no longer in our control.
When you wake up in the morning, do you mindfully brush your teeth or do you worry about the day ahead and not even pay attention to that experience? Do you really focus on music when you are listening to it, or does it pass you by?
Mindfulness is awareness of the present moment, by paying attention, non-judgementally.
Let’s have a quick recap of the mindfulness exercises you have tried so far at the end of each session.
How have you found these? Were they helpful/difficult? What did you learn? Make some brief notes.