Mindfulness: Why Bother?

What makes the smell of roses on a summer’s evening so evocative? Or a cup of tea really enjoyable? Mostly, in our busy, striving lives, such details pass us by. We tend to spend much of our short life thinking about the future or the past, or lost in thoughts about what may or may not happen. But sometimes, when we are more able to be present, such non-events can become moments that enable us to feel more alive.

What is mindfulness ‘practice’?

Mindfulness practice, or meditation, is a method by which we can develop more mindfulness and presence in our lives. Whilst sitting, walking or standing we can practice simply paying attention to what arises in our body, heart or mind. And when we inevitably get distracted, we simply bring our attention back as kindly as possible.

What are the effects of mindfulness practice?

Mindfulness has been shown to bring a number of benefits such as reduced stress, depression and anxiety and an enhanced sense of wellbeing. (1) It is now routinely offered by the NHS, taught in education, businesses, sports and a fifth of MPs have now done training in mindfulness.

What if I don’t have time?

Even short periods of mindfulness practice can make a big difference. Regular practice can surprisingly quickly change our mind’s habit patterns, through cultivating increased presence and clarity. Also, being mindful of ordinary activities such as washing up or eating don’t take any extra time: this is informal practice.

 Is mindfulness a relaxation exercise?

Although profound experiences of peace can arise in meditation, this is not actually the aim. Mindfulness practice develops a sense of ease with whatever arises, inside us or in our lives, and so reduces our fear and reactivity.

 Isn’t all this navel-gazing a bit self-centred?

An integral aspect of mindfulness practice is developing qualities of kindness and connection to others. This enables us to actually be a lot less self-orientated: knowing and supporting oneself ultimately supports those around us. This enables us to engage with our world with more to give.

Reference:

(1) ‘Altered Traits: Science Reveals how Meditation Changes your Mind, Brain and Body’  (2017) D. Goleman & Richard Davidson, Avery, New York.

With gratitude to Joseph Mishan for sharing his well-crafted wording in much of the above text.