Hold this one like a warm bowl of tea, with both hands and no hurry. It is about mindfulness, and somewhere in the middle it asks you to stop reading and breathe for thirty seconds or a few minutes. The aspersions here are gentle ones, aimed at the idea that mindfulness is harder than it sounds; you have probably been doing it without realizing it. Then we can wonder what that kind of attention might change in stress, focus, sleep and well-being. So take a deep breath, let go of any distractions, and join me.
According to Eric Johnson, “Mindfulness is a mental state of non-judgmental awareness and attention to the present moment. It involves intentionally focusing on the current experience, including thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, with an attitude of curiosity and openness.” (Johnson, 2023, p.11-12).
Mindfulness is more accessible and more exciting than it may sound. Much of it has to do with meditation, which has been around and practiced for many millennia. And you probably have been doing it without realizing it. This intentionally bringing our attention to the present moment with non-judgmental awareness involves being fully engaged and aware of our thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings in the present moment
without being distracted by past regrets or future worries. By staying present and fully engaged in the moment, you can cultivate a greater sense of clarity, peace, and contentment in your daily life.
Let’s take a moment to try out mindfulness and see that it’s not as difficult as it may sound.
- Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed, and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
- Now, focus your attention on your breath, noticing the sensation of air moving in and out of your body.
- If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your attention back to your breath without judgment.
- Continue to focus on your breath for 30 seconds or a few minutes, allowing yourself to be fully present in the moment.
Congratulations, you have just practiced mindfulness!
SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS
The practice of mindfulness has been shown to provide a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental health. If you practice the above guide to mindfulness, you can ache some of the benefits. Some of the benefits of mindfulness include the following:
Stress reduction
Mindfulness reduces stress levels and decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improved focus and attention
Mindfulness can improve cognitive function and increase productivity by training the mind to focus on the present moment.
Improved sleep
Mindfulness can help individuals to relax and reduce rumination, leading to better sleep quality.
Increased well-being
Practicing mindfulness has been linked to increased well-being and improved quality of life.