What is mindfulness?

Conscious TV

September 28, 2020

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is an ancient practice of oriental origin that tries to focus all our attention on the now. It may sound simple, but in reality it is not, since we live in a day to day life full of responsibilities, hurry and "I have what".

No wonder that the absence of the past (depression) and the absence of the future (anxiety) are the main causes of unhappiness in our society.

Without realizing it, our mind is focused on what has already happened or what may happen, forgetting that the only thing that exists is the present and not living it intensely.

Mindfulness invites those who practice it to stop, relax, put aside the past, the future and pay attention to what is happening at that very moment.

What does Mindfulness mean?

Translated, it means "mindfulness". The word in English comes from a translation of the Pali language, the word "sati" which means pure attention, reception, full awareness of thoughts, emotions and actions of oneself.

You could say that it is about being aware of everything that is happening around you and in yourself in the now. And since it is always now, it means living in a constant state of attention, allowing you to savor your life to the fullest.

How to practice Mindfulness?

To practice it, you don't have to be enlightened, have a trendy yoga outfit or learn to play Tibetan singing bowls. It's all much simpler.

You can practice Mindfulness while eating, while playing with your dog, while working, walking or taking a shower when you get home.

Fortunately, it does not require materials or prior knowledge, you will only need desire and perseverance, because if you have never done it, perhaps in the beginning you scatter easily and get distracted.

But don't worry, by practicing you will achieve greater concentration and this is how you will practice authentic Mindfulness, moving your attention again and again from one side to the other and recognizing when you are getting lost in your thoughts.

Just find something to do and do it with full awareness of what you are doing. If, for example, you are going to cook, give it your full attention. Observe the ingredients, smell them, touch them, cut them, observe how they break, mix them, feel how they melt, etc.

The origin of Mindfulness

This teaching has its origins in Buddhism and dates back to about 2,500 B.C. in India. Almost nothing!

Let's just say it came to the West through the colonizers of the British Empire at the turn of the 21st century, who were fascinated by people living seemingly peacefully and knowing each other so deeply and decided to spread the word when they arrived in their land.

Many aristocratic scholars of philosophy and theosophy traveled to India to explore to learn more about what Mindfulness was all about and to spread this knowledge that seemed so miraculous.

Over time it has spread around the world and millions of people are moving closer to this mindfulness-based lifestyle.

Differences between Mindfulness and Meditation

One and the other are not at odds, it should be clarified. For meditating in a way requires mindfulness. And you can practice Mindfulness while meditating.

But yes, to practice Mindfulness is not necessary to be meditating. You don't need to be in the lotus position, listen to any mantra or do any mudra. Nor do you need to leave your mind blank.

When you meditate you just have to be. However, when you practice Mindfulness, in addition to being pure presence as in meditation, you practice acceptance, you detach yourself from identification, from constant judgment and you concentrate on observation.

Benefits of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is suitable for people of all ages, sexes, races and everything you can think of. It is for everyone. But especially, it is recommended for people suffering from depression or anxiety, diseases very much on the agenda.