What is Mindfulness?
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is being aware of or focusing attention to the moment in time, consciously and without judging your moment to moment experience. So, when one goes for a mindful walk, it’s really about noticing every little detail and all we come across- flowers, trees, cars, or a squirrel running up a tree, by living in that moment and brining your attention to all that is at that moment in time – rather than creating a to do list or concentrating on worries.
By connecting with these simple moments in life, by truly living in these encounters/moments, it is possible to experience again a sense of peace and joy. We may, at least sometimes, feel once again truly enriched with life.
As a form of therapy, mindfulness has lately been in the news a great deal. It is suggested by the Department of Health and in the guidelines endorsed by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence), and many see it as economical, effective and ‘achievable’ intervention for our stress filled lives, as much as a skill that can prevent us from actually getting ill or breaking down if we incorporate it into our daily lives.
The treatment of mindfulness covers a range of situations, such as in parenting training, the treatment of mental health, in schools as part of well-being therapies. It is even used in therapy for the immune system, with some positive outcomes for patients with HIV, ME (Chronic fatigue syndrome) and MS.
Benefits of Practising Mindfulness
People who regularly implement mindfulness strategies may find lasting psychological and physical benefits, such as:
- Increased sense and experiences of relaxation and calm
- Less danger of experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, addiction or low immune efficiency
- Higher levels of energy and enthusiasm for living
- More self-compassion and compassion for others and our planet
- Increased self-confidence and self-acceptance.
Remember we are all human, and at wearehumancounselling we are here to help. Sign up to my podcast, where I do one minute mindfulness session that can help you implement mindfulness into your daily life.
By Dr Farah Nadeem
Psychologist
