Our previous edition focused on resilience and how this ability to recover and cope well with life's challenges is an important skill.  The same can be said for mindfulness. 

Mindfulness Is...

Mindfulness is a practice which is simultaneously simple and profound.  It is a way of being in which one focuses on being fully aware in the present moment.  While mindfulness can be somewhat difficult to describe in brief terms it has been said that mindfulness is the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose and observing things as they are. Observation and awareness without judgment. 

Mindfulness Is Not...

Mindfulness is not a spiritual practice and does not depend upon or interfere with any religion, cultural context, or belief system.  Mindfulness does, however, have long historical roots in meditative practices often found in traditions including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Taoism.  In recent times, mindfulness has found a home in a variety of contexts including psychology, neuroscience, medicine, education, and business.  There are mindfulness institutes associated with medical centers, free-standing mindfulness centered research and treatment practices, and mindfulness practices being taught to individuals across a variety of settings.  

Mindfulness Benefits...

While an in-depth discussion of the neuroscience and neuropsychology of mindfulness is beyond the scope of this piece, it is fascinating to note that brain imaging scans are able to display positive changes that occur for individuals who practice mindfulness.  Medical and psychological benefits of mindfulness include reduced levels of stress hormones, improved management of emotions, and improved functioning in the face of chronic pain and illness.  As research on mindfulness continues to evolve, other facets of mindfulness have developed to include Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.  Mindfulness however cannot be reduced to a set of techniques to practice, but rather it is the practice of cultivating a mindful awareness within our day-to-day lives.  I encourage you to explore more about the art of mindfulness.  Start with small mindful exercises.  Don't be hard on yourself - cultivating mindfulness takes practice.  If you notice you are becoming less mindful, then you have in fact just taken the first step towards returning to mindfulness.  

Mindful Beginnings...

Start being more mindful today.  You can do just about anything more mindfully!  Practice paying attention as though you are encountering objects, experiences, and emotions for the first time.  Utilize all of your senses during your mindfulness exercise.  Notice. Notice. Notice.  One helpful exercise for beginners in to practice mindful breathing - because breathing is something we can focus on anywhere and anytime.  There are numerous resources on mindfulness that you can find and a multitude of ways to introduce mindfulness into your life. We are sure you'll find something that suits you well.  Please feel free to ask us if you'd like to learn more about mindfulness, are interested in book recommendations, or would like to learn more about local resources on mindfulness.  

Enjoy the PRESENT moment! 

• spend time with nature.
• enjoy a family meal.
• talk with friends.
• exercise.
• explore your creative & artistic talents.
• take time for self-care.