Jon Kabat- Zinn defines Mindfulness as: “The awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally,” –
“Mindfulness is the unfailing master key for knowing the mind, and is thus the starting point; the perfect tool for shaping the mind.”- Nyanaponika Thera
The word “Mindfulness” has become a buzz word in recent times, and its many facets and contexts make it difficult to sum up in a one word its meaning.
Mindfulness is an invitation to become more familiar with your own body, mind, and heart as well as the field of your own life. In doing so, you will discover significant aspects of your own life that you may not have noticed or that, for some reason, you have ignored up until this point.
Mindfulness is simple yet not easy, but with training, the Mindfulness muscle (just like training muscles in the body) with consistency we begin to see powerful changes. It is simple in that it’s really about bringing attention and awareness to what’s happening in the present moment (sensations, thoughts, feelings and emotions) in a kind non-judgemental way. It’s effective because it can break the tendency of losing oneself in thoughts, primarily those of the past or the future, which frequently adds additional stress to the existing pressures of daily life.
Mindfulness does not change our experiences and situations, but it changes our relationship to the ever-changing impermanent nature of what is occurring in the present moment. The practice of Mindfulness has the potential to become a lifelong companion and ally.
Lissa Pickles 