What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is often described as 'falling awake’. It is a practice that not only helps us return to the present moment with compassion but also brings a myriad of benefits to our mental and emotional well-being.
We can explore mindfulness through eight key attitudes:
- Non-judgement
- Non-striving
- Empathy
- Patience
- Letting go
- Acceptance
- Trust
- Beginner's mind
Consistently practising mindfulness has been shown to enhance the brain's neuroplasticity. This transformative process means we can rewire our brains, fostering compassion and presence in our lives.
What is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)?
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy combines the spiritual wisdom of mindfulness with therapeutic cognitive strategies. It equips us with the tools to make choices that nourish us, instil courage in the face of fear, and foster self-acceptance and contentment.
MBCT is a powerful tool that teaches us to become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. It equips us with the skills to let go of rumination and obsessive thought patterns that often distract us from being present.
The Brain on Autopilot
Modern humans often find themselves in a state of automatic functioning, or what we commonly refer to as 'being on autopilot.' Without mindfulness, we may live our lives without fully engaging, leading to a habitual way of living. This can prevent us from fully participating in life.
Living this way prevents us from fully participating in life. However, there are positive forms of autopilot as well; these include functional habitual behaviours like making tea, brushing our teeth, and driving.
So, how can we liberate ourselves from both the negative and positive aspects of living on autopilot? The first step is to recognise its hold on us and take conscious steps to break free.
One approach is to enhance our ability to stay present by using the 'mindful triangle of awareness,' which involves body, thoughts, and emotions.
First, we notice what is happening in our body. We can move if necessary, approach sensations with curiosity, and identify areas of comfort, discomfort, or neutrality.
Next, we pay attention to the thoughts that arise, gently guiding our mind back to the present moment using our breath as an anchor or following a guided meditation script.
If emotions arise, we can ride the wave of those feelings without judgment or getting caught up in a narrative about them, and see if we can return to a state of present awareness.
Mindfulness can help us recognise when we are being reactive, and to practice instead how to respond mindfully. Did you know that our experience is shaped by 10% due to the situation, and 90% due to our perception of it!
The Difference Between Mindfulness and Meditation
Under the banner of meditation, there are many practices which have different purposes: to concentrate or focus, to monitor the present moment openly, or to transcend the self.
Some kinds of meditation are about entering a different form of consciousness. We pass into various states of consciousness during our passage through day and night, such as daydreaming, being absorbed in a task, and sleeping.
Mindfulness falls into the open monitoring form of meditation, through either formal or informal practice.