Mindfulness has been and can be defined in many ways. The following definitions are pulled from many sources, including Jon Kabat-Zinn, James Baraz, Amy Saltzman, Mindful Schools, and my own experiences and thoughts.
~ Mindfulness is paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, with unconditional love.
~ Mindfulness is paying attention to your life, here and now, with kindness and curiosity so that we can chose our behaviors. This inherently includes compassion and non-judgment.
~ Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different. Enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will). Being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).
~ Mindfulness is paying attention to our experience in a way that allows us to respond rather than react. It is a quality of inner-stillness that is always available, even when our life or circumstances feel out of our control or chaotic. It is possible to be mindful of / aware of / pay attention to everything in our experience including anything we experience through our five sense doors, as well as our thoughts and emotions.
~ Mindfulness is not just a “what”, a strategy, or a thing to do. It also includes a way of being in relationship with our selves, our world, our experiences, and one another.
~ Mindfulness is not really definable…. it is something to be experienced that changes moment to moment and person to person. It’s like asking someone to define chocolate. You can do it, but the words alone are static and not as meaningful as tasting a piece of chocolate. It has to be experienced to fully understand it for yourself, from your own personal perspective.
Some proven benefits of Mindfulness:
(Research is ongoing and this list of evidence-based benefits is always growing)
- Better Focus and concentration
- Increased sense of calm
- Decreased stress and anxiety
- Enhanced health
- Improved Impulse control
- Increased self-awareness
- Skillful responses to difficult emotions
- Increased empathy and understanding of others
- Development of natural conflict-resolution skills