Notes on Mindfulness

Originally written on March 8, 2019

*Information from Psychology Today website.

What Is Mindfulness?

Our life can quickly pass us by when we’re not focused on what matters. We have a bad habit of emphasizing the negative and overlooking the positive. Being mindful can help. Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When we are mindful, we carefully observe our thoughts and feelings without judging them as good or bad. Mindfulness can also be a healthy way to identify and manage hidden emotions that may be causing problems in our personal and professional relationships. It means living in the moment and awakening to our current experience, rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. Mindfulness is frequently used in meditation and certain kinds of therapy. It has many positive benefits, including lowering stress levels, reducing harmful ruminating, improving our overall health, and protecting against depression and anxiety. There is even research suggesting that mindfulness can help people cope better with rejection and social isolation.

How to Lead a Mindful Life

A person’s experience of time tends to be subjective and is heavily influenced by their emotional state. Fears and insecurities about the past and the future can make it difficult to fully enjoy the present. The key is learning how to pay attention and focus on the here and now. Mindfulness is a tool that allows people to be more aware of their physical and emotional conditions without getting bogged down in self-criticism and judgment. Mindfulness done well allows one to regain control over destructive feelings and even to capture positive memories that can be savored at a later date.