Mindfulness is…
an invitation to BE
with what is showing up
right here and right now
by placing your full attention on your moment-to-moment experience, via your body, emotions and thoughts,
with open, objective awareness; with non-judging, curiosity and kindness…
Waking up and coming home to who you truly are over and over again.
What is Mindfulness?
In general, mindfulness is the practice, or a state of purposeful awareness on our everyday activities and in our lives in general. It is a conscious observation of a situation, of our thoughts, our body and our emotions in the present moment. It is being in the here and now, fully aware of what is happening inside yourself and outside yourself. Read more…
Why Practice Mindfulness?
There are two main ways to practice mindfulness. One is in a “formal” meditation where you choose a place and a time to practice meditation, and the other is bringing your awareness into your daily life as a more “informal” meditation, while you are doing whatever you are doing. Both of these practices involve turning doing into being.
When we are in being mode, we are experiencing the present moment in its fullest expression.
There are many short and long term benefits to practicing mindfulness. Some of these include:
- increased focus and attention;
- improved stress management and a reduction in stress, anxiety and depression;
- increased awareness of ourselves and the world around us, providing a greater sense of reality and confidence;
- learning to respond to life’s events rather than react unconsciously;
- increased compassion, empathy and emotional intelligence;
- greater self-knowledge and connection to who we truly are;
- increased grey matter in the pre-frontal cortex, which means less reactivity to stress
- click here to read about more benefits…
Meditation and the Brain
Did you know that practicing meditation can make lasting positive changes in your brain? Neuroscientists are currently studying different meditation techniques and their effects on the brain.
Some of these include:
- more grey matter in certain areas of the brain, effecting executive function, memory, emotional regulation and stress management
- protection from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s
- reduced activity in the Default Mode Network, which means less rumination, increased concentration and attention…
Mindfulness Practices
Would you like to get started now? Here are some simple practices you can do… right now!
Resources and Insight
Here are more resources, insight and information on Mindfulness, meditation, happiness, wellness and contemplative practices…