mindfulness

The term mindfulness has become a trendy term in the health and wellness community. The most simple definition of mindfulness is to notice or pay attention without judgment.

This might sound like an easy task, but in our modern society we are rapidly moving through a world filled with distraction. Many of us frequently engage our mind in a chaotic way through attempts to multi-task or overload ourselves with busyness. Chaotic lifestyle choices and unhealthy expectations result in rewiring the brain in a way that creates increasing anxiety and distress.

We may have difficulty focusing our attention or concentrating on tasks. We may feel disconnected from the true joys of life. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm and may lower our self-esteem and confidence, resulting in feelings of frustration or depression.

Some people believe the practice of mindfulness can only be accessed through use of meditation. This is a gross misunderstanding. There are many different exercises we can employ throughout each day to build our brain’s capacity to be mindfully present and focused.

Common forms of mindfulness practice include:

• Mindful Breathing

• Grounding / Centering / Earthing

• Guided imagery

• Cognitive Diffusion

• Movement Meditation

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation

• Mantra Meditation

• Spiritual Meditation

• Transcendental Meditation

Everyone can benefit from learning a variety of mindfulness tools to build the “wise mind.” This is the part of the brain responsible for concentration, focus, empathy, compassion, creativity, innovation, discernment and planning.

In addition to emotional benefits, mindfulness is proven to provide an array of physical health benefits including pain management, sleep regulation, lowered respiration and heart rate, decreased stress hormones, lowered blood pressure, improved sleep, increased serotonin production, reduced viral activity, enhanced immunity, and improved post-operative healing.