What is Mindfulness? Find out in this post of our blog
Conscious TV
September 28, 2020
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is an ancient practice of Eastern origin that tries to focus all our attention on the now. It may sound simple, but in reality it is not, as we live in a day-to-day life full of responsibilities, rushing and "I have to do what".
It is not surprising that the absence of the past (depression) and the absence of the future (anxiety) are the main causes of unhappiness in our society.
Without realising it, our mind focuses on what has already happened or on what may happen, forgetting that the only thing that exists is the present and failing to live it intensely.
Mindfulness invites the practitioner to stop, relax, put aside the past, the future and pay attention to what is happening at that very moment.What does Mindfulness mean?
The word in English comes from a translation of the Pali language, the word "sati" which means pure attention, reception, full awareness of one's thoughts, emotions and actions.
You could say it's about being aware of everything that is going on around you and in yourself in the now. And because it is always now, it means living in a constant state of mindfulness, allowing you to savour your life to the fullest.
How to practice Mindfulness?
To practice it, you don't have to be enlightened, have the latest yoga outfit or learn to play the singing bowls. It's all much simpler.
You can practice Mindfulness while you eat, when you play with your dog, while you work, walk or take a shower when you get home.
Fortunately, it does not require any materials or previous knowledge, you will only need desire and perseverance, because if you have never done it before, you might get easily distracted and distracted at the beginning.
But don't worry, by practising you will achieve greater concentration and this is how you will practise true Mindfulness, moving your attention back and forth and recognising 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. Look at the ingredients, smell them, touch them, chop them, watch them break up, mix them, feel them melt, and so on.
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 say it came to the West through the colonisers of the British Empire at the turn of the 21st century, who were fascinated by the people living in apparent peace and knowing each other so well and decided to spread the word when they arrived in their land.
Many aristocratic scholars of philosophy and theosophy travelled to India to explore what Mindfulness was all about and to spread this seemingly miraculous knowledge.
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 incompatible, it should be made clear. For meditating in a way requires mindfulness. And you can practice Mindfulness while meditating.
But you don't need to be meditating to practise Mindfulness. 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, besides being pure presence as in meditation, you practice acceptance, you detach yourself from identification, from constant judgement and you concentrate on observation.
Benefits of Mindfulness
Mindfulness is suitable for people of all ages, sexes, races and everything else you can think of. It is for everyone. But it is especially recommended for people suffering from depression or anxiety, which are very common illnesses.
Increases the ability to concentrate
It improves physical metabolism
It reduces tiredness and fatigue
And many more reasons you can find to start practising Mindfulness now.
It is time for the famous "carpe diem" that became so fashionable years ago to begin to reign in our daily lives.
Would you like to try a Mindfulness lifestyle with us?
