Mindfulness

Mindfulness

Immerse yourself in the present, with non-judgemental experience

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How can mindfulness nourish you?

In its simplest form, mindfulness is nothing more complicated than choosing to direct your attention to what’s happening[1] in the present moment. This can mean being fully present while going on a bushwalk, or savouring a meal attentively and without hurrying, focusing on the experience of your senses rather than speculating about the future or worrying about the past.

Practising mindfulness as a form of meditation has its roots in Buddhist tradition originating some 2500 years ago,[2] and more recently in the Zen school which was brought to China around the fifth century CE.[3] In modern times, the idea of mindfulness as a path to reducing stress and improving mental clarity was popularised by Jon Kabat-Zinn. After learning about Buddhism as a student,[4] he went on to establish the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts in 1979.[5]

Today, the terms ‘mindfulness’ and ‘meditation’ are often used interchangeably, but not all instances of mindfulness are necessarily a form of meditation,[6] and there are many other forms of meditation than mindfulness alone.

Benefits of mindfulness

The mainstream acknowledgement of the benefits of mindfulness has influenced major companies such as Google,[7] Apple[8] and Salesforce[9] to prioritise teaching their employees the practice. According to one study, 22% of companies surveyed in 2016[10] offered mindfulness training.

Research suggests mindfulness may reduce the symptoms of generalised anxiety,[11] and its possible benefits for reducing stress are well-documented.[12] Mindfulness has been reported to potentially be a promising treatment for mood disorders such as depression,[13] and the results of a meta-analysis suggest that it may be effective in preventing relapses[14] into depression. 

Evidence suggests mindfulness may lead to improvements in focused attention, as well as the ability to regulate emotions.[15] Research has also shown mindfulness may increase the concentration of grey matter[16] in parts of the brain associated with memory and learning. 

Mindfulness may assist in relieving symptoms related to:

Alcohol and drug addiction Anorexia, bulimia and eating disorders Anxiety Asthma Blood pressure Body dysmorphia Brain fog and clarity Breast cancer Cancer Circulation and cardiovascular conditions Concentration, focus and problem solving Creativity Depression Diabetes Headaches and migraines Heart conditions and heart attack IBS and bowel disorders Immunity issues Indecision Insomnia and sleep disorders Love and Relationships Memory and cognitive function Mental health Mood imbalances Pain relief Sadness Stress and tension Weight control and obesity Show all

What to expect from a mindfulness session

Because there are so many ways to practise mindfulness,[17] what you can expect will depend on the style of mindfulness you choose. If your preferred form of mindfulness includes meditation exercises, you will usually be invited to sit in an upright and balanced position, and guided by your teacher to progressively relax your body.

A popular type of mindfulness meditation involves directing your awareness to each part of your body[18] in turn. Another common way of developing greater clarity and focus is to pay attention to your breathing.[19] Whenever you notice your mind wandering off to different subjects, gently bring your awareness back to your breath.

Mindfulness is not limited to still, meditative states, however. You can enjoy a mindful walk through a beautiful, natural environment, paying full attention to what your senses are experiencing[20] as you walk. You can mindfully examine a work of art or even practise mindfulness while performing ordinary daily activities,[21] investing your full attention in simple tasks such as cooking, instead of doing them ‘on autopilot’ while your mind is elsewhere.

Trying simple mindfulness exercises in daily life, such as focusing on the present moment while brushing your teeth, is arguably one of the few wellness practices that you can safely undertake with virtually no risk. However, even mindfulness meditation may have unexpected effects,[22] notably if practised without the guidance of an experienced teacher, so please consult your medical professional before commencing. 

If you have any concerns at all, also speak to your mindfulness instructor, who will be happy to address these and explore the option of tailoring the session to your individual requirements. 

References

  1. What is Mindfulness? | mindful.org
  2. What exactly is Vipassana, the meditation technique President Kovind swears by? | Lifestyle News | indiatoday.in
  3. History of Zen Buddhism | The art of Zen education resource
  4. A Brief History of Mindfulness in the USA and Its Impact on Our Lives | psychcentral.com
  5. History of Modern Mindfulness | Mindful EAS
  6. Mindfulness Vs Meditation: The Difference Between These Two Pathways To Well-Being And Peace Of Mind | medicaldaily.com
  7. 3 Reasons Everyone At Google Is Meditating | fastcompany.com
  8. Why Google, Nike, and Apple Love Mindfulness Training | inc.com
  9. Meditation Has Become A Billion-Dollar Business | fortune.com
  10. More Companies are Investing in Mindfulness Programs | hbgnow.com
  11. Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness Meditation for Generalized Anxiety Disorder | The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry | PubMed
  12. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People | The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
  13. The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression: A meta-analytic review | Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology | APA PsycNet
  14. Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse: An Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis From Randomized Trials | Complementary and Alternative Medicine | JAMA Psychiatry | JAMA Network
  15. The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation | Nature Reviews Neuroscience
  16. Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density | Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging | ScienceDirect
  17. Yes, mindfulness is really a thing | Beyond Blue
  18. Body scan mindfulness exercise | mp3 | livingwell.org.au
  19. Mindful Breathing | Practice | Greater Good in Action
  20. Mindfulness – is it for you? | au.reachout.com
  21. Mindfulness | SANE Australia | sane.org
  22. Can mindfulness be too much of a good thing? | Current Opinion in Psychology

Frequently asked questions

Mindfulness is the practice of directing attention to the present moment, engaging fully with your current experiences. While mindfulness can be a form of meditation, not all mindfulness practices are considered meditation. Meditation encompasses various techniques beyond mindfulness.

The practice of mindfulness as meditation has ancient roots, dating back to Buddhist traditions around 2500 years ago. It gained prominence in the Zen school, introduced to China in the fifth century CE. Modern popularity is credited to Jon Kabat-Zinn, who founded the Stress Reduction Clinic in 1979.

While mindfulness is often associated with meditation, it can also be practiced in daily activities. The terms 'mindfulness' and 'meditation' are used interchangeably, but not all instances of mindfulness involve formal meditation. Meditation encompasses a broader range of techniques.

Mindfulness aids in stress reduction by promoting a focused awareness of the present moment, preventing the mind from dwelling on stressors. It improves mental clarity by training the mind to stay present, fostering better decision-making and cognitive function.

Jon Kabat-Zinn played a pivotal role in popularizing mindfulness in modern times. After learning about Buddhism, he founded the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts in 1979, introducing mindfulness as a secular practice for stress reduction.

Mindfulness in daily life includes activities like savoring a meal attentively, engaging in nature walks, or focusing on sensory experiences without distractions. It extends beyond formal meditation, encouraging a present-moment awareness in various aspects of life.
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