Mindfulness has powerful, well-demonstrated and beneficial effects on a person's mental health and wellbeing. But while it is a very straightforward concept, it nonetheless can be quite a challenge for many of us to grasp. And while it is a direct term, the true meaning of mindfulness is quite profound and can occasionally be rather complicated. So what is mindfulness? In as few words as possible, it means that the mind is fully attuned to and accepting of the present moment.
Sounds easy, right? But with modern technology and the omnipresence of screens and other stimuli, our minds are often conditioned to be anything but a mindful state. That's why actively striving to be mindful is so important. To help you further that goal, we'll break down what mindfulness is, discuss it's longstanding historical origins, and give you some tips, mindfulness exercises, and pointers to reconnect with your mind and re-focus on the present.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is simultaneously a singular and quite multifaceted concept. But at its core, it has two central tenets: it involves focusing only on the present moment, and doing so without judgment. Each of these components incorporate mindfulness and is significant, so we'll take a look at them one by one. There are also many ways to practice mindfulness, these aspects apply to all forms of mindfulness.
Awareness of the present moment
Focusing your awareness on the present moment seems like it should be easy, but for many of us, it's anything but. How often do you obsess over past mistakes, or anxiously look ahead to an anticipated future event? Or, perhaps even more commonly, finding yourself distracted by your phone or TV, and not focusing on anything at all?
Advocates for mindfulness certainly don't say that you must never do any of these things. Bu never focusing on the moment can be quite taxing on one's mental and physical health. And conversely, mindfulness has tremendous, scientifically demonstrated benefits to one's body and mental state.
But again, what is mindfulness? What does it mean to focus your attention on the present? Take a moment, step back, and simply take note of how you feel. Are you feeling anxious, energized, frustrated, happy? Keep in mind, as well, that mindfulness isn't just about being aware of your emotions or mental state. Scan your body, noticing how you feel. Maybe your foot is itchy, or your shoulder is sore. Perhaps you feel particularly physically relaxed. Good or bad, simply notice it.
And most importantly, whatever activity you're engaging in at a given time, give that all of your attention. This can be big things, like focusing all your energy towards your goal when you're working on a big project at work, or something small like watching your favorite TV show without scrolling through your phone at the same time. Either way, whatever you're doing is what you're focusing on.
Absence of judgment
Focusing your attention isn't the only component of a mindfulness practice. It's about the way you do so. Mindfulness is about observing how you feel, and accepting what you find without judgment. That means that whatever you find yourself feeling, don't fight it. If you notice that you're feeling anxious, for example, your instinct might be to try to change that.
But the fact is, resisting a negative feeling is only going to make it worse. You convince yourself that you shouldn't be feeling this way. That only exacerbates the feeling when you can't will it into going away.
Almost ironically, the best way to get past a negative feeling is through the various non-judgmental aspect of mindfulness. Acknowledge your feeling, accept it, even welcome it. Resisting your feelings is akin to clinging on to that negative feeling. Accepting it, on the other hand, allows it to move on of its own accord.
You begin to realize that you are not your thoughts. An important realization to live a more pleasant and happier life.
What is mindfulness?
So, simply put:
What is mindfulness? Focusing your attention on the present moment, and doing so with compassion and without judgment.
A crucial aspect of mindfulness is the ability to observe thoughts and feelings, emotions, and sensations without labeling them as good or bad, right or wrong. Instead, mindfulness helps and encourages us to accept and embrace our experiences as they are, without getting caught up in judgments or reactions.
However, that can be easier said than done. Let's move on and discuss the long-held value.
A brief history of mindfulness
It's important to keep in mind that mindfulness is not some lost, ancient, esoteric practice. it's something that anyone can do at any time. While formal meditation itself, for example, can be a great way to cultivate mindfulness (which we'll briefly touch on later), mindfulness isn't a ritualized practice, it simply requires a moderate amount of focus and effort.
That said, research on the importance of mindfulness has long been known and emphasized by various cultures and movements. People have asked "what is mindfulness?" for centuries, and even millennia. Buddhism, for example, since its earliest days, has focused heavily on the importance of mindfulness. Mindfulness is commonly the first listed of the seven factors of enlightenment. While there are many versions of mindfulness within Buddhism (of varying complexity), the simple one we've described is heavily incorporated.
Emphasis on mindfulness became common in the West with the rise of nature-focused writers and academics in the early 19th-century, such as Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Walt Whitman. These writers believed that humanity was inherently good, but was liable to be corrupted by materialism. Mindfulness was one of the main strategies they developed and advocated to help reconnect with nature and the self.
While these movements tended to focus on a more formalized version of mindfulness, by the late-20th century, mindfulness had become increasingly common as something to incorporate in one's day-to-day life. Some of you may be seeking enlightenment, but most of you are simply looking for a strategy to reduce stress and anxiety. Simple mindfulness is an excellent path to the latter.
Tips to practice mindfulness
Now you know what mindfulness is, as well as mindfulness practices such mindfulness meditation, as the long-held importance of the practice throughout history. But if this is all new to you, you're probably wondering how to get started. Fortunately, we've included a few tips and pointers to help you become more comfortable practicing mindfulness. We'll start off with something simple:
Breathe
Breathing is the one thing that every living person is doing at all times; how much different could being aware of it make? Well, if it sounds basic, it is. But that doesn't mean it's not incredibly powerful. Observing and controlling your breathing can be one of the most significant ways to manage stress and develop mindfulness.
In fact, while mindfulness helps, the very thing that makes it seem so necessary is precisely why it can be such a useful mindfulness tool: you're always breathing automatically. That means, at any moment, you can check in on your breathing. And use that moment to connect with yourself. Begin by simply observing your breathing: are your breaths short and labored, or are they deeper and slower? From there, focus on a few deep breaths to calm yourself down, and use it to relax and center yourself.
Keep a journal
How often have you tried to think back and realized you had no idea what you did two days before? That is one of the most significant signs that you could use more mindfulness practices in your life. You may write that off to simple memory issues, and some of that may be true. But it is also a sign that you likely aren't really present or paying attention to what you're doing.
One of the best ways to combat this is to keep a journal. It's up to you to what, specifically, you want to journal about. Still, our recommendations would be to keep a log of accomplishments, challenges, and things you are grateful for. But regardless of the subject matter, the most important thing is that you take the time each night to reflect upon your day. That has value in and of itself, and in time, it will help you reflect in the moment as well.
Exercise
Exercise might be the most remarkable example on this list for many. But it has a significant connection with mindfulness. When you find an exercise routine that works for you, whether it's running, swimming, playing a sport, or anything else, you leave the rest of your life behind. To perform your well being and at your best, you need to focus wholly on what you're doing. And guess what, that's mindfulness! Whether you spend 20 minutes or two hours exercising, during that time, you're being mindful.
Meditate
Meditation is often viewed by many as an esoteric, almost mystical practice that is useless to an "average" person. But that isn't true at all. While there are myriad types of meditation of varying complexity, at its core, basic, meditation practice is the practice of sitting down and being mindful. You're not trying to transcend reality or move to a different plane, you're simply striving to still your mind and focus on the here and now.
Start small: it's better to do just a few minutes a day than set big goals and give up when you fail to reach them. Try sitting down, focusing on your breathing, or repeating a phrase you enjoy and focusing on that. Close your eyes, allow yourself to relax, breathe slowly and deeply, and just be present. Pay attention to your body, starting with your toes and working your way up. Spending five minutes a day like this will allow you to become accustomed to a quieter mind and simple, calm focus.
When you're ready, you can start our 30 day mindfulness meditation course. You'll learn how to practice mindfulness meditation and live a more mindful existence.
Common Mindfulness Misconceptions
As mindfulness continues to gain popularity, several misconceptions have arisen that may deter individuals from exploring its true potential. In this section, we will address some of these common misunderstandings and provide clarification to help foster a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of mindfulness.
"I need to clear my mind completely"
Addressing the misconception
Many people believe that the goal of mindfulness is to completely empty the mind of all thoughts, and negative emotions, leading to a state of total mental silence. This misconception can lead to frustration when beginners find it difficult to achieve this unrealistic expectation.
The true goal of mindfulness
The actual aim of mindfulness and meditation practice is not to eliminate negative thoughts itself, but rather to develop a non-judgmental and accepting awareness of them. By observing our thoughts as they arise without getting entangled in them, we can cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and clarity.
"I don't have time for mindfulness"
Addressing the misconception
Some individuals may feel that mindfulness requires dedicating large amounts of time to meditation or other formal meditation practices, making it challenging to fit regular practice into their busy schedules.
Incorporating mindfulness into a busy lifestyle
While formal mindfulness practices can be beneficial, mindfulness can also be integrated into everyday activities, such as walking, eating, or simply taking a few deep breaths. By incorporating mindfulness exercises into daily life, we can cultivate greater presence and self-awareness, even in the midst of stress or a hectic routine.
"Mindfulness is just for relaxation"
Addressing the misconception
Some people may view mindfulness as a relaxation technique or a means to escape from daily stressors. While it can undoubtedly promote relaxation, this perception undervalues the full scope of mindfulness.
The broader scope of mindfulness benefits
Mindfulness not only helps us relax but also fosters self-awareness, emotional regulation, improved focus, and better communication. By cultivating mindfulness, research shows, we can enhance our overall well-being, equipping ourselves with the tools to navigate life's challenges more effectively and with greater resilience.
"Mindfulness is a religious practice"
Addressing the misconception
Some people may associate mindfulness exclusively with Buddhism or other Eastern spiritual traditions, leading them to believe that practicing mindfulness requires adherence to a specific religious belief system. This misconception can discourage those who do not identify with these traditions or prefer a secular approach to personal growth from exploring the benefits of mindfulness.
Secular and inclusive nature of modern mindfulness
While secular practice of mindfulness does have roots in Buddhist teachings, its modern applications and practices have been adapted to be secular and inclusive. Mindfulness, as practiced today, does not require any religious affiliation or belief system. Instead, it focuses on cultivating present-moment awareness, acceptance, and non-judgmental observation of one's thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations alone. By emphasizing universal principles that can benefit individuals from all walks of life, mindfulness has become a widely accessible and adaptable tool for enhancing well-being and personal growth, regardless of one's religious or cultural background.
"Mindfulness requires perfect concentration"
Addressing the misconception
A common misconception about mindfulness is that it demands unwavering, laser-sharp concentration in order to be effective. This belief can lead to frustration and self-criticism, as individuals may feel that they are "failing" at mindfulness if their mind inevitably wanders during practice.
The role of gentle focus and non-judgmental awareness
In reality, mindfulness does not require perfect concentration. Instead, it encourages a gentle, non-judgmental awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, and sensations. When practicing mindfulness, it is natural for the mind to wander; the key is to gently bring your attention back to the present moment without self-judgment or criticism. This process of noticing and returning focused attention to the present helps to develop self-awareness, patience, and acceptance. Over time, with consistent practice, you may notice improvements in your ability to focus, but it is important to remember that the true essence of mindfulness lies in cultivating a kind and compassionate relationship with your own mind.
Conclusion
Throughout this comprehensive guide, we have explored the depths of what is mindfulness, shedding light on its origins, benefits, and practical applications in everyday life. By addressing common misconceptions incorporate mindfulness and providing a clear understanding of what mindfulness truly is, we hope to have inspired you to embark on your own journey towards mindful living.
Incorporating mindfulness into other practices of your daily life can lead to profound improvements in your mental, physical, and interpersonal well-being. As you cultivate a greater sense of presence, self-awareness, compassion and acceptance, you'll find that you're better equipped to navigate life's challenges with resilience and poise. So, take the first step towards embracing mindfulness and experience the transformative power it holds for yourself.
For further exploration and guidance on mindfulness practices, consider checking out resources such as books, online courses, or mindfulness apps. As you deepen your understanding and practice of mindfulness, you'll discover a world of inner peace, clarity, and fulfillment waiting for you.
