What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness has been an integral part of the Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Taoism, and has gained popularity in Western psychology in the recent years. Clinical research supports effectiveness of Mindfulness in reducing stress, enhancing psychological health, especially in anxiety and depression, increasing self-awareness, and handling painful thoughts or feelings in a better way.
Indeed, left to itself, the mind wanders through all kinds of thoughts, including thoughts expressing anger, craving, depression, revenge, self-pity, etc. As we indulge in these kind of thoughts, we reinforce those emotions, causing more suffering.
Mostly these thoughts are about the past or future. The past no longer exists. The future is just a fantasy until it happens. The one moment we can experience — the present moment — is actually where change and growth happen.
“Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally”
– JON KABAT-ZINN
You are not your thoughts!
In mindfulness, we notice what is happening in the present moment. We observe our thoughts without fully identifying with them, and become aware of their changing nature.
Mindfulness is an emotionally non-reactive state. By realising that we are not our thoughts, we start making conscious choices rather than having habitual reactions based on our past experiences (“auto-pilot mode”). The idea is not to control or suppress the thoughts, but rather hold them in awareness in a non-judgmental way.
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Our mission is to empower you finding well-being and meaning in life through Mindfulness-based Counselling & Trainings. We offer evidence-based corporate mindfulness and well-being programs, mindfulness courses, retreats, and keynote speaking engagements, as well as counselling and coaching sessions all over Australia.
