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True Mindfulness
The practice of Mindfulness despite having its common roots in Buddhism and other contemplative practices of India is non religious and accessible to all. It derives from the word"Sati". Its literal meaning is "Awareness" or "Mindfulness".
To have the correct view of how things exist. This encapsulates more than just having a goal to reduce stress and to be more present however. It means to become familiar with patterns that serve or do not serve us.
To become happier, more content but also more real. Essentially to become a better person. This is not always easy however. Research shows we have tens of thousands of thoughts a day. Isn’t that incredible?
How many of those thoughts are we actually present to, aware of?
How many of those thoughts can you remember at the end of each day?
Many of these thoughts have become habitual, much like riding a bike. These thoughts and emotions can still affect us whether we are aware of them or not, especially when they become habitual, a subconcious behavior. We often react to these thoughts, emotions and experiences without even being aware. These "conditioned" responses can create more stress for ourselves, and others.
Mindfulness practice helps us to become more aware of these thoughts & emotions. To cultivate more acceptance, more resilience with what arises. It then helps us to let go of the negative thought patterns that don't serve us any more. To cultivate more thoughts & actions that are more beneficial to both our selves and others.
A key aspect of authentic Mindfulness practice is to help us to awaken and enhance our innate qualities of compassion and insight.
Acting with purpose.
At work and at home.
Mindfulness helps us to act “purposely” and to participate “consciously” with what’s occurring in front us right now. It helps us to see which thoughts are beneficial to work with, to cultivate more of and which thoughts are best not following at all! We are often reacting to situations in life from a place of unconscious habit. With Mindfulness training we can then make choices from a place that’s “conscious” as opposed “reactive”.
Ultimately Mindfulness is about getting to know oneself better. To become friends with all aspects of ourselves. The good the bad and ugly!
Mindfulness also reaffirms what modern day neuroscience validates; neuroplasticity. We are literally reshaping our brain through our experiences.
Mindfulness helps us to tap into the deep inner resources that are always available to us. If we are present to them of course! We then start to understand that peace, calm and happiness don't actually need to be found from outside of ourselves. That happiness is truly an inside job!