Mindfulness is a path that teaches us to experience ourselves and the world around us in a vivid and immediate way. Through the practice of mindfulness, we can learn to deal with our body, our thoughts, our feelings and our behaviour patterns consciously and kindly.
In daily life, we often lose contact with this moment – the only moment we are truly alive and capable to breathe. When our thoughts are lost in the future or the past, we lack the capacity to be present in the here and now.
Mindfulness reminds us to pause and to attend to the situation at hand, without immediately wanting to change it. This can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves, our reactions and our emotions, particularly in difficult life circumstances.
Everyday stress and challenges from illness, loss or other painful experiences are an inevitable part of our life. However, when we consciously turn towards those experiences with tenderness and care, we can develop a deeper sense of trust and inner peace. Through this open and accepting orientation towards the direct experience of the moment, we can see our situation in a broader perspective. This often leads to new, meaningful and creative options for action.
Mindfulness is also invaluable to us because it makes us aware of the preciousness and uniqueness of the present moment, regardless of whether we are having a nice and pleasant or a difficult experience. It allows us to live with greater intensity and joy and brings us into contact with our inner strength. This enables us to learn, to grow and to heal.
Further Readings:
The Mindfulness Key: The Breakthrough Approach to Dealing with Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Sarah Silverton, 2016
The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation: A Manual on Meditation
Thich Nhat Hanh, 1999