“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally,” – Kabat-Zinn.
Awareness is a key trait to living a content life. If we are aware of our thoughts, emotions, and our inner state of being, we are more likely to be in control of our physical reactions and behaviours. Awareness allows us to meet our personal needs more often and more accurately. If we live mindfully, we recognize what state of being we are living in. When we do this, we can understand what brings us joy as well as recognize what creates negative emotions within us. Recognizing is the first step towards action. Once we recognize what is happening within us, we can either note the positivity (to recreate this state), or we can begin problem-solving (e.g., use strategies to pull us out of fight of flight).
Recognizing that our bodies and minds are in a less desirable state (i.e., feeling overwhelmed) allows us to meet our own personal needs. It allows us to decide how to help ourselves (e.g., if we need to adjust our view and/or reactions in a situation, or if we need to remove ourselves from a situation). Recognition allows us to begin to problem solve.
In the same light, being able to mindfully understand what brings us joy and engagement, allows us to seek out opportunities to recreate these positive states again. When we live in a positive headspace, we are better problem-solvers, more engaged, more optimistic, have more self-compassion and as a result we are more resilient.
Mindfulness is a skill that can be developed. Like all skills, mindfulness requires practice and effort. It is my intention to share strategies to help others cultivate the skill of mindfulness. These strategies will be useful for individuals, families, teachers, or can be used within a workspace. I will begin by sharing strategies I have learned through positive psychology, my yoga teacher training, and my teaching background. I have the intention to continue to build upon my knowledge to offer a variety of fresh activities.
One way to become more mindful is through meditation. When we practice meditation, we become better at acknowledging the thoughts inside our heads. It is believed that the purpose of meditation is to clear your mind, while that is a goal of meditation, it does not have to be the goal of meditation. Tara Brach speaks about the art of noticing. Noticing is learning to pay attention to the thoughts that come into your mind, acknowledge them, and then send them on their way. This art of “noticing” is an example of how meditation can build a habit of catching thoughts that come to mind and allow for early intervention if we are slipping into a negative headspace.
Living mindfully is a key component of living joyfully. Understanding our state of mind and body allows us to give ourselves what we need to feel safe and content in life. When we are mindful of our thoughts, we recognize the good, the bad, and the scary thoughts that lead to behaviours. This awareness allows us to act and move through life peacefully and productively.
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