What is Mindfulness?

While the word may be unfamiliar, mindfulness and its counterpart mindlessness occur daily for us all.  Mindlessness describes moments when we are on autopilot, such as driving home and not recalling any details of the drive.  While these moments appear harmless (but have the potential for negative outcomes), they rob us of the opportunity to fully engage in life and all it offers.

When we approach stress without awareness, it controls how we see the world and ourselves.  We lose our ability to create a way out of the stress.  Stress, depression and anxiety begin to define our day-to-day experience.

Mindfulness is paying attention on purpose, moment to moment, being with what is, suspending judgment, greeting all we encounter with patience, acceptance, compassion and curiosity.

Mindfulness speaks to experiencing an expanded awareness of the present moment.  This awareness not only increases our ability to cope with stress and suffering but also deepens relaxation, elevates energy and awakens creativity.

Meditation is a formal practice to cultivate mindfulness.  While simple in theory, mindfulness can be challenging to bring into our daily life.  Meditation creates a period of focused practice, carved out of the usual clutter and chaos of our day.  With consistent practice, meditation nurtures an increased ability to focus attention, an enhanced capacity to practice mindfulness “off the cushion" and seamlessness between formal and informal practices.

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