Introduction to Mindfulness

Half of our time is spent worrying about the past, and the other half we spend worrying about the future. But when do we ever think about the present, where we are right now reading this paragraph? Sure we are breathing, reading, looking, and watching, but are we really ever in-tune with our present self?

I use this term lightly... “the self”, what I am referring to is you. Not some mystical philosophical force inside you. I literally mean just you sitting, standing, laying down (maybe) reading this.

Mindfulness derives from Buddhist teaching but don’t let this fool you into thinking its religious mumbo jumbo. I have no religious influence or inclination just to make that clear. Mindfulness is a fairly new psychological movement, which is under the umbrella of positive psychology.

The aims of positive psychology focuses on positivity to change, alter or give a new outlook on life in a positive way. Mindfulness does this by not focusing on past or future worries and commitments, but by looking at you right now.

Living in the Moment...

Being present, being aware, and being with you; it’s quite a hard concept at first. I struck it off as something ridiculous at first, thinking: “Of course I’m breathing” and “What do you mean—be with myself?” but actually in a stressful situation, it’s easy to forget to do something as simple as breathe. Ever had a panic attack? If you haven’t you are the lucky ones.

Something as simple as counting your breaths is a way of calming yourself in a stressful situation or any situation. Just got cut up on the motorway, count your breaths. Just stubbed your little toe on that box you were supposed to move three weeks ago, count your breaths then move the box. Just found out some horrible news, it’s okay just count your breaths. It doesn’t fix the problem, in fact far from it, but helps you deal with it in the moment. Simple.

Often the need to do something about your emotions sometimes tricks your brain into telling you that you are weak, vulnerable, and worthless. That just isn’t the case. Times, where you feel the need to count your breaths, are totally fine and the best part about it...no one knows you’re doing it!

Mindfulness Incognito (MI)...like opening a private web browser on your life.

Try it, you may find it helps.

While I am no expert, mindfulness certainly is not something that works for everyone, I can 100 percent confirm it has worked for me. As always, I would recommend seeing a professional if it all becomes too much to handle and they can advise on a range of techniques, which may include mindfulness, it might not. We are all individuals and that’s the beauty of being human, we are all different and different things work for different people. If mindfulness doesn’t work, then try something else. A friendly reminder that it does not mean you have failed, it just means that a different approach may work better.

Another great thing about mindfulness is that it doesn’t judge, don’t judge yourself if you can’t get it right, or can’t do it. It’s like learning to play the guitar, it comes with practice. Be kind to your self.

Moreover, this is just an introduction to mindfulness, I have plenty more techniques to share with you, breathing is not all there is, it’s just one of the more fundamental parts. Other techniques include meditation, visualization, other counting tasks, observation, and so much more.

Mindfulness quote for today: “Learn to become conscious of your breath and visualise it filling the whole of the body. A few moments of awareness will help you feel much lighter and brighter.”