Mindfulness
What Is It?
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing your awareness to the present moment intentionally and without judgment. One main component of mindfulness is its ability to slowly shift our relationship with ourselves and the world over time toward a more positive, grateful, and accurate perception. This skill can be practiced through meditation, breathing techniques, movement therapy, such as yoga, or simply being out in nature.
Why Is It Important?
Mindfulness helps us become aware of our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations and helps us manage them in a calm, objective, nonreactive manner. Many of us are unaware of how we spend most days occupied in our minds, ruminating about past and future memories and expectations. This constant, unchecked internal dialogue and unrecognized emotions often cause us to create stories about ourselves and the world that are inaccurate with reality. Mismanaged feelings and false perceptions of daily life are often harmful, heightening chances of psychological and physiological distress, such as depression, anxiety, lowered immunity, and damage to other necessary bodily functions. Practicing mindfulness consistently allows us to be aware of harmful or addictive thought and behavioral patterns. It encourages us to understand where our unskillful thoughts may have originated (such as past trauma or toxic belief systems) and to know how to manage these thoughts and feelings appropriately, therefore heightening our quality of life and longevity. The benefits of mindfulness practice are supported by numerous scientific studies, and the practice is offered clinically at over 720 medical centers internationally through an 8-week MBSR program.
Benefits of Mindfulness
- Improves Focus
- Boosts Self-Awareness
- Helps Manage Stress
- Connects You to Your Thoughts
- Connects You to Others
- Improves Emotional Regulation
- Reduces Depression & Anxiety
- Lowers Blood Pressure
- Increases Happiness