What’s mindfulness and why it can transform your life completely

A recent study said that many people would rather receive an electric shock than be alone with their thoughts. Another study showed that most people find it hard to focus on the present and that the mind’s wandering can lead to stress and suffering.

Negative thought patterns are the prime cause of issues like anxiety, low concentration levels, stress eating and poor quality of relationships. But before I set off another worry in that relentless mind of yours, let me assure you there’s light at the end of our mind’s deep dark tunnel. 🙂 Enter Mindfulness – antidote to the untamed mind.

Although the idea of Mindfulness is rooted in eastern philosophy through the practices of Buddhism, Meditation and Yoga, Western science too has been fascinated with it for over five decades now. In a world thats turning more uncertain by the day, Mindfulness is now considered a crucial cognitive skill and neuroplasticity is one of the most influential and empowering ideas presented by modern day neuroscience. It suggests your brain can recalibrate its connections and strengthens different circuits in response to how it is being used and challenged. The implications are profound – we have the ability to shape or rewire our brains to optimise well-being ,clarity and our response and relationship to our environment. And all of that seems to be enhanced by mindfulness practice. Scientific studies have shown that meditation can produce structural changes that can result in a more calm, focused and content you.

So what exactly is mindfulness? And what does “being mindful” mean?

As per Jon Kabat Zinn, creator of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program 

“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally“

Another definition says –

“Mindfulness teaches you the skill of paying attention to the present by noticing when your mind wanders off. Come back to your breath. It’s a place where we can rest and settle our minds.”

In other words Mindfulness involves practicing bringing your mind back into the present while refraining from any judgement. Contrary to popular belief, mindfulness is not about creating a thought vacuum; rather it focuses on observing thoughts with equanimity – viewing them simply as events occurring within our minds. Just as the mirror reflects your image back to you as it really is – without feeding anything into it.

Each time you notice your thoughts wandering, escort the mind back to the present. Developing this skill requires practice like any other activity; Training the mind to neutrally observe one’s sensations and emotions leads to increased focus, presence of mind, resilience during challenging situations – all essential components of a mindful response.

While you begin the journey towards mindfulness with a lot hope and enthusiasm, it is not uncommon to start feeling impatient, frustrated, bored or distracted shortly into the practice. Try out these easy to follow ideas for a head start on how to begin, maintain and sustain your mindfulness practice long enough to be able to see real gains.

Remember, mindfulness is not a magical halo of happiness that you carry around yourself. The magic lies in being awake to each moment whether easy, tough, happy or painful. The beginning to discovering joy and contentment in life 🙂