Mind in the Moment

Jon Kabat-Zinn, a researcher at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, popularized the practice of Mindfulness Meditation. Kabat-Zinn describes mindfulness as, “paying attention in a particular way; On purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” The practice of mindfulness allows one to become more aware of the mind-body connection and how unconscious thoughts, feelings and behaviors impact our emotional, physical and spiritual health. Mindfulness means being in the moment, without any judgment or agenda, and with acceptance of that moment. The practice of mindfulness has been shown to increase well-being by reducing depressive symptoms, stress and anxiety.

To begin the practice of mindfulness, one can engage in mindfulness meditation. To do this, find a quiet place to sit where you can focus on your breath. Stay aware of the breath as it goes in and out. Try to keep your focus there and when you notice or become distracted by thoughts, just observe them, without judgment, and then come back to the focus on the breath. The goal is to then generalize this focus and mindfulness into everyday life, to increase one’s presence in daily activities and interactions. In doing so, one is able to increase attention and awareness of the present moment. Mindfulness allows us to be more in touch with our emotions and to regulate our emotions as a result of this higher awareness.

In our daily lives mindfulness and being mindful can help us act with more intention and awareness. Rather than having an automatic response or reaction, the practice of mindfulness facilitates an intentional, fully integrated interaction with the world and ourselves. This practice reduces emotional reactivity, which will in turn reduce stress and increase connection with the world and the people around us, as well as ourselves.

The key concepts of mindfulness include a focus on the present moment and being open to experience. This includes being open to events, thoughts and emotions. One doesn’t turn away from an emotion because it is difficult, but rather, one embraces it, being fully aware of it and how it changes over time.   Not having judgment around thoughts and feelings or needing to change them. Mindfulness also encompasses a feeling of acceptance of things and people as they are. It is important to embrace compassion for yourself and others through this practice, to have a sense of peace and non-attachment to the way things are in the world around us.

Mindfulness is a practice, which means that it requires a focus and a dedication. It is not always easy to be mindful in a world where to be fully present can be overwhelming, but the benefits are far beyond what you might imagine. Through the practice of mindfulness you will become more in tune with yourself, develop more authentic and fulfilling relationships, and you will be better equipped to engage in your life and the world around you. Mindfulness will provide support for you as you cope with difficult emotions, and it has been found to vastly increase happiness, relieve stress, and even reduce blood pressure, chronic pain, sleep problems and a myriad of other psychological and physical issues.