One of the most loosely used terms has certainly been “mindfulness”. You hear the concept of mindfulness mentioned across many different sectors of life, from buddhist monks to business and thought leaders. Mindfulness has definitely gained a lot of attention as of recent years, and for good reason.
It’s recent popularity is largely due to the potential benefits that mindfulness provides across many areas within a person’s life. Benefits in areas like dealing with stress and overwhelm to alleviating symptoms of depression and trauma. Whatever the issue, mindfulness teaches us to have a better relationship with ourselves and the world around us.
The moment you begin to comprehend the concept of mindfulness is the moment your life begins to change. If you are new to hearing the term of mindfulness, I’m sure by now you might be wondering what is this mindfulness thing I speak of?
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a state of non judgemental awareness of what’s happening in the present moment. The goal is to have a heightened awareness of the current moment, being fully engaged in whatever is happening in the now. Most people are busy focusing their attention on the past or the future, missing whatever may be unfolding right in front of them. “When we focus on the past that is depression. When we focus on the future that is anxiety. The power is in our ability to be strongly rooted in the now.” During a state of mindfulness you will begin to notice your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations as they happen. The goal is to merely become aware of the thoughts, feelings, and sensations; not to change or label them.
What are the components of mindfulness?
There are two central components to in mindfulness, awareness and acceptance. Mindfulness is a synonym for consciousness, which is your ability to be aware or focus. Awareness is vital in mindfulness; awareness of what is happening in any given moment. During a state of mindfulness you will notice your thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they happen. The goal isn’t to clear your mind, the goal is to become aware of your thoughts rather than getting lost in your thoughts.
The other component to mindfulness is acceptance. In mindfulness, acceptance is used as a barrier of non judgemental energy. It acts as a filter to accept your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without labeling them. For example, if you notice a feeling of worry, simply state to yourself. “I notice that I’m feeling worried.” There’s no need to judge or change the feeling.
How can mindfulness help me?
How can mindfulness help me? That is a great question. There are many people who lack awareness of what needs changing in their lives. Mindfulness is the tool that allows you to identify the problem. Think of it like a flashlight; it can be used as a guide to shine the light onto your patterns and routines, both healthy and unhealthy. Identifying the problem is just the start, mindfulness will also help to manage the problem by first managing your emotions. In order to manage the things going on in your external world, you must first be able to manage your internal world.
If you are someone who is struggling emotionally, and no longer want to avoid your emotional pain there is help. Reach out to Hope Avenue Counseling Services there is someone who will help you develop the tools to effectively manage your emotions.
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