Mindfulness

What is mindfulness?

“Knowing what’s happening, as it’s happening, no matter what it is”

Rob Nairn

Mindfulness involves paying attention to our present moment experience as it unfolds, without judgement and is a practical life skill that can be developed over time.  We practice mindfulness by maintaining an awareness of our thought patterns, emotions and bodily sensations as well as the environment that surrounds us.  Mindfulness gives us the space to take a pause, to step out of autopilot and notice our habits and patterns.  We get to know ourselves on a deeper level which ultimately leads to improvements in our relationships with others.

Mindfulness practices can be formal or informal to include mindfulness meditation and mindfulness in everyday life.  Mindfulness meditation can be done in a seated position, moving or lying down, depending on the practice.  Informal mindfulness involves the application of mindfulness to everyday life, such as mindful eating, listening, mindful walking and so on.

When practiced over time, mindfulness has many physical and mental benefits, building resilience and safe, strong, healthy minds.

Some potential benefits of Mindfulness for physical and mental wellbeing.

• Reduced stress & anxiety levels
• Increased resilience (ability to bounce back from adverse life events)
• Lower blood pressure
• Improved sleep
• Reduced pain
• Increased happiness levels
• Increased ability to focus
• Reduced emotional reactivity
• Improved relationships
• Increased awareness