“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Mindfulness is pretty straightforward. It’s our natural ability to know what’s happening in the present moment, without ruminating, daydreaming or getting distracted.
If it’s so natural, why the big deal? Why can’t we just be natural?
It seems that ‘simply being’ isn’t that easy for many people. It seems that often, our minds are wandering, and when they wander, they wander off to some pretty unhappy places.ΒΉ
While it’s simple to describe, it’s best defined by actually practising, as it’s an experience, not a theory.
Good news is that mindfulness can be cultivated, despite our tendency towards mind wandering.
While it doesnβt help to fixate on the benefits, there are benefits or else no one would do it. When weβre mindful, we reduce stress, enhance performance, gain insight and awareness by observing our own mind, and increasing our attention to othersβ well-being.
Mindfulness can help us get to know our own minds, and discover a sense of well-being that doesn’t rely on money, the weather, material goods or other people.
It’s best learned in a class with an experienced teacher.
Mindful Self-Compassion is an 8-week course and a wonderful way to learn both mindfulness and self-compassion, the art of being kind to oneself, no matter what arises. Find out more about this course.
Mindfulnessworks are offering some great introductory mindfulness courses in Brisbane.
If you’re wanting to practise right now, why not try some guided audio?
ΒΉ Killingsworth & Gilbert (2010)
Pasha Lyndi π 