MI*****NESS

'Mindfulness' has become a bit of a buzz word. The problem with buzz words is that they can loose their original meaning, and feel like a bit of a "cult following", a word you SHOULD follow because everyone is saying it.

>>>>>>>

However, there is a reason these words saturate culture. They often do contain a perspective that can help us.

>>>>>>>

'Mindfulness originated over 2,500 years ago in Eastern culture. Mindfulness is a synonym for 'Attention'.

>>>>>>>>

I like to use the words 'awareness' and 'attention'. Mindfulness is moment by moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, sensations and surroundings, through a non-judgemental lens. A simple tool that can help us reconnect to oursleves and our lives.

>>>>>>>>

A while ago I did a mindfulness teacher training course. The biggest lesson I learnt was that mindfulness, or attention training, is as simple as brushing your teeth. BUT, in the same way we need to brush our teeth everyday, mindfulness (even if only done for a few minutes each day) also needs to be practiced regularly, in order to see and feel results. Like training your bicep muscles, we need to train the mind muscle. >>>>>>>>> The pay off for taking a few minutes a day to focus on your breath, your bodies natural sensations, and the present moment = physically RE-WIRING your brain, creating peace within, greater self-regulation and a stronger immune system.

>>>>>>>>

Mindfulness is NOT zoning out and detacheding from the world. It teaches you how to observe your thoughts and create a space between YOU and YOUR thoughts.

>>>>>>>

Mindfulness can free the mind, put you in touch with your experience, give you new ideas , improve curiosity and acceptance and improve your ability to focus.