What is Mindfulness Anyway? A Simple Explanation 

Mindfulness – everyone is talking about it

It's hard to escape the word "mindfulness" these days. It pops up everywhere, from cookbooks to meditation apps. But what does it mean to be "mindful"? And why is it so important?

Mindfulness, simply put, is being present in the moment. It means stopping the mental chatter about the past or the future and focusing on what's happening now, here, in this moment. It's like coming home after a long day and realizing the movie you wanted to watch has already started. Instead of getting upset and being busy about what you've missed, you choose to focus on what's happening on the screen right now.

Why is it so important?

Imagine your mind as a box of thoughts. Sometimes, this box gets so full of thoughts about what we've done, what we're going to do, what others think of us, that we don't really live in the present moment. Mindfulness invites us to open this box, look at its contents with curiosity, without judging the thoughts that arise. It's like looking at a beautiful landscape – we simply observe and allow thoughts to pass.

Mindfulness helps us:

• Calm the mind: Our minds are like little monkeys jumping from branch to branch. Mindfulness is like giving that monkey a banana – something to keep it in one place.
• Reduce anxiety: When you focus on the present moment, you don't have time to think about all the bad things that could happen in the future.
• Increase self-awareness: Mindfulness helps us better understand our thoughts and feelings, without judging them.
• Improve relationships: When you are truly present in a conversation with someone, you can listen to them more deeply and connect with them on a deeper level.
• Improve focus: Mindfulness strengthens our ability to focus on one task at a time.
• Reduce stress: By focusing on the present moment, we reduce the impact of stressors.
• Improve sleep quality: Practicing mindfulness before bed can help you relax and fall asleep more easily.

Mindfulness in therapy:

In therapy, mindfulness is a powerful tool to help us better understand our thoughts and feelings. It's like a map that shows us our inner landscape. Instead of fighting negative thoughts, we learn to accept them and see them as just another visitor in the box of our thoughts.

How is mindfulness related to ACT and CBT?

• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): In ACT, we learn to accept our thoughts and feelings, even the unpleasant ones. Mindfulness helps us observe our thoughts without getting attached to them.
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): In CBT, we learn to identify and change negative thought patterns. Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our thoughts and examine them critically.

So how do you start?

• Deep breathing: Start with simple exercises like deep breathing. Pay attention to the sensation of the air entering and leaving your lungs.
• Curiosity: Treat your thoughts like curious children. Let them come and go without judgment.
• Body: Pay attention to the sensations in your body. Are you feeling tense? Relaxed?
• The present moment: Try to focus on the present moment. What do you see around you? What do you hear? What do you smell?

In conclusion, mindfulness is more than just a trend. It's a powerful tool that allows us to live more mindful, calm, and fulfilling lives. Start your mindfulness journey today! Try a short breathing exercise before bed or during your lunch break.

Tip: Look for guided meditation apps or join a mindfulness course for additional guidance.