Mindfulness is a mental state of awareness and focus that has been embraced as a key principle of health and well-being in recent times. And rightly so – it has been proven to bring many positive outcomes and enable us to understand ourselves and our experiences more effectively. In this article, we'll be exploring what mindfulness is and looking at how to start applying this technique in everyday life.
The Seven Pillars Of Mindfulness
The seven pillars of mindfulness are non-judging, patience, beginner’s mind, trust, non-striving, acceptance, and letting go. These characteristics form the foundation of mindfulness and can help us cultivate greater capacities for self-care, well-being, and resilience.
Non-judging implies that we are willing to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Patience allows us to remain present and accept our thoughts and feelings as they arise and pass.
Beginners’ mind encourages us to be curious and willing to explore the present moment with a fresh perspective.
Trust encourages us to be accepting and trusting of ourselves, others, and our environment.
Non-striving reminds us to relinquish striving and expectations and practice mindfulness for the sole purpose of being present.
Acceptance is about understanding, accepting, and letting go of our thoughts and feelings. Finally, letting go reminds us to accept that things can and will change, even when we try to control them.
The Three Principles Of Mindfulness
The three principles of mindfulness are intention, attention, and attitude.
Intention involves setting a purpose in life and engaging in meaningful activities in line with that purpose.
Attention involves observing our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, as they arise and shift at the moment.
Attitude involves embracing life experiences with an open heart and an open mind, free from judgment or criticism.
Ways To Practice Mindfulness
No matter what your life situation is, practicing mindfulness can help you live with more intention and self-awareness, reduce stress levels and become more present in your daily life. It can also aid in furthering relationships within your career, family, and community, by providing an increased sense of understanding and compassion.
One of the most common ways to practice mindfulness is through meditation. During meditation, you can shut out external stimuli and focus on the connection between your body, mind, and breath. It is important to start with a few minutes of mindfulness practice and work up to longer periods over time. Other methods of practicing mindfulness include taking a moment to focus on your breathing, keeping a journal and writing down your thoughts and experiences, living in the moment and paying attention to the little details, and accepting yourself for who you are without judgment.
Mindfulness has become increasingly popular as a way to cultivate peace of mind and well-being and reduce stress. Although the concept of mindfulness is often associated with meditation, it is a tool that can help us cultivate awareness and create positive changes in all aspects of life.
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