Mindfulness: What is it?

I was a child in the 50’s and I remember my Grandma often saying be mindful of this or that. One Easter I was going to church and she said “Be mindful where you walk those are new  shoes”  I was walking with a friend and more mindful of talking I guess cause those shoes were soaked by the time I got to church. When I got home she stuffed my shoes with paper and shook her head saying, “I told you to be careful where you walked.” I told her, “No you didn’t!“ I spent Easter in a chair trying to “think about behaving better!” Mindfulness or “Being Mindful” was not part of my understanding then. But I now realize it is a very important skill that can make a real difference in your life. 

Mindfulness Defined

“That might seem trivial, except for the annoying fact that we so often veer from the matter at hand.” (Mindful.org) (Oh yeah, new shoes, puddles, now I get it)

I’ve seen multiple definitions and examples of being mindful and I think that it’s just difficult in its simplicity.

“Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” (Mindful.org) 

It makes sense that the practice of mindfulness can change your thinking. After all, being mindful is all about learning to be more aware of your thoughts without imposing judgments on them. 

Why is Mindfulness Important?

When I bring up mindfulness to clients I hear either, “I can’t do that” or “how will this help.” Research shows mindfulness and meditation can help with a variety of situations from the small to the life-changing. Issues like trauma, substance abuse, depression, habits, and anxiety can all be helped with mindfulness. But learning how to focus and be present can be challenging at best and even scary to some. So is it worth the effort?

Mindfulness practices can help us to increase our ability to regulate emotions, decrease stress, anxiety and depression.  It can also help us to focus our attention, as well as to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment.  As we become more present in life and in relating to others, we make better decisions and manage our emotions. We can be more fully engaged in life.

How can Being Mindful Help?

Specifically, mindfulnesses:

1. Reduces stress.  Studies have shown present-moment awareness helps respond to daily stressors and help with coping as a response to stress. It will lead to a better mood and positivity by regulating emotions 
2. Copes with illness. The relaxation that comes from mindfulness lowers blood pressure and heart rate and increases immune response and brain functioning.  Studies are showing increased ability to  deal with stresses and fatigue of chronic illness. Many patients experience improved ability to function independently and have less back pain.
3. Helps to lessen anxiety and depression by enhancing ability to regulate emotions, and accept them instead of fight against them. 
4. Builds self-esteem because of ability to self-regulate and have increased joy. A habitual practice of mindfulness also promotes creativity, curiosity, and tolerance. 
5. Aids in conquering addictive behavior. Studies of college students show mindfulness is effective in combating depressive symptoms springing from alcohol and drinking to cope. 

These highlights are just the tip of the iceberg when describing all the areas that mindfulness can affect. It can create an oasis of peace during a busy day. It can help with chronic pain and illness. Mindfulness can benefit everyone. In my next article we will discuss how to bring the practice of mindfulness into our lives. 

Related Article: Mindfulness

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