What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness - a mental practise of focusing our attention on the present moment - is one of the most important elements for bringing success, happiness and peace of mind into our lives.

Mindfulness involves engaging all of our senses to be curiously aware of our external environment, and the wide range of thoughts, emotions and body sensations that can arise in each moment.

In this way we learn to notice what is occurring in our present moment experience, with an attitude of openness and non-judgmental acceptance, and so become less reactive or overwhelmed by it.

Many academic and clinical studies have shown that being mindful in our daily life provides us with a wide range of benefits which can deepen our sense of well-being and fulfilment. These include reducing stress and anxiety, managing chronic pain, better sleep, improving focus and concentration, increasing empathy and compassion, developing closer relationships and promoting our overall well-being.

It is important to note that after a lifetime of living without such awareness, mindfulness is a beneficial life skill that can take a little time to learn. Mindfulness is learned 'experientially', rather than intellectually. On an 8-week course,  a qualified tutor will guide you in the use of specifically designed mindfulness meditations. Practicing mindfulness meditations involves sitting quietly and focusing on the present moment, typically by deliberately paying attention to the breath or other bodily sensations, letting thoughts come and go. Mindful walking and mindful movement practices are learned too.

Learning mindfulness requires regular practise of attention and awareness with the mindfulness meditations. Studying the principles and concepts of mindfulness can provide an intellectual understanding of the ways in which mindfulness can be beneficial, but it is through the wisdom gained by experience of consistent, regular practise, that we will more fully develop our mindfulness skills.

We could think of it like learning to swim. We could read a book about 'how to swim' and understand intellectually how to swim, but until we get into the water and practice swimming, we’re not going to learn to swim. And just as a stronger swimmer is more likely to be able to cope with choppier waters, a person with well-practiced mindfulness skills can develop greater emotional resilience and a wider range of ways to respond to the inevitable stresses of life.

So, while intellectual learning can serve as a starting point, it is only by taking the time to practise and apply mindfulness in our lives that leads to its wide range of valuable benefits. Many people who have participated on our Mindfulness Based Living Courses talk about how learning to be mindful, has transformed their lives. 

This could be you also!

Find out who joins our mindfulness courses HERE

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