It’s a fast-paced world we live in, and it’s very easy to find oneself consumed by anxieties about the future or regrets about the past. And that’s where the idea of mindfulness comes in, possibly one of human history’s most ancient practices and equally relevant today. So let’s take a deeper look at what exactly mindfulness is, why it is so hot right now, and the science behind why we think mindfulness can change not only us, but society.
Mindfulness is one of those buzzwords you hear getting thrown around a lot, but I think that can make it tough to understand what it truly means. At its core, mindfulness is about being present — observing what’s happening in the moment and letting your thoughts and feelings pass through without judgment. The best part? Mindfulness doesn’t need to be complex or solemn! And there are plenty of ways to make your routine just a bit more mindful. For instance, you might begin your day by taking a few slow, deep breaths or savoring the flavors and textures in every bite of your next meal. These little moments can add up and help you stay grounded throughout the day.
What Is Mindfulness?
As already stated, mindfulness is about being “present”. Mindfulness invites us to let things be as they are without needing to fix them. In fact, we are encouraged to be non-judgmental toward our thoughts and feelings when meditating. It’s not about being right all the time; it’s about practicing to get better every time. Starting a mindfulness practice is not difficult. Mindfulness can also be easily incorporated into your daily life and activities.
How Does Mindfulness Help?
At the same time, mindfulness can serve as an elixir for your brain and cognitive functions. The first and most obvious way mindfulness assists us is by mitigating stress and anxiety. Learning how to use mindfulness to stay in the moment and relax our body and mind can help us not just survive, but thrive. Another thing I like about mindfulness is that it lets our brains take a break from the kinds of thought cycles we end up in. Mindfulness helps us be still in our minds while focused on the ever-present now. So much practice concentrating can actually make you more attentive and focused. This is because mindfulness can help us teach our brains to focus better.
Why Do People Embrace Mindfulness?
You can practice mindfulness anytime — while driving, walking, or performing routine activities. Look around you and be mindful of five objects or details. This will help remind you to stay present. You can also try mindful eating by savoring each bite, practicing mindful walking, and focusing on your surroundings.
Mindfulness isn’t simply about being relaxed; it’s about having awareness of the moment, no matter what it represents. The more I practice, the more I stop to smell–and marvel at–the roses. 12
- Creswell, J. D. (2017). Mindfulness interventions. Annual Review of Psychology, 68(1), 491–516. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-042716-051139 ↩︎
- Davis, D. M., & Hayes, J. A. (2011). What are the benefits of mindfulness? A practice review of psychotherapy-related research. Psychotherapy, 48(2), 198–208. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022062 ↩︎