What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is learning how to be fully present and engaged in the moment. It’s the art of developing awareness of your surroundings while being compassionate with yourself. You don’t need to be an expert yogi or have a specific belief system — anyone can practice it.
The idea behind mindfulness is not to get rid of your thoughts, but to accept it without judgment. Allowing your thoughts to come and go without challenging them lets you remain at peace.
Research has shown that by training yourself to be mindful, you remodel the physical structure of your brain. It also helps reduce stress levels and improve awareness, which makes you more empathetic.
Ways to Practice It
- Set Aside Time. Find time and space in your day to practice. You don’t need a fancy mat or cushion, only the intention to access your mindfulness skills.
- Observe the Present Moment. The aim of mindfulness is to pay attention to the present moment. Don’t overcomplicate it. You’re not searching for eternal calm. You just need to focus on the moment without judgment.
- Let Go of Judgment. When you notice judgments coming up, acknowledge them and let them pass. Never give your thoughts power.
- Return to the Present Moment. If your mind wanders, guide your thoughts to the present moment. It can be hard to quiet the mind, but it’s achievable with practice.
- Be Kind to Yourself. Don’t be so hard on yourself if it takes you longer than others to learn it. You’ll get the hang of it soon. When your thoughts wander, gently guide them back.
It’s easy to mull over the past or worry about the future. Practicing mindfulness can help you decrease that anxiety by reminding you to appreciate the present. And live in the moment.
