What is Mindfulness?

“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; On purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” Jon Kabat-Zinn

Mindfulness is a way of being attuned to yourself, the environment that you are in and those around you on a moment to moment basis. When you live in the present – not reliving or dwelling on events from the past, or worrying about what is yet to come - it is easier to stop judging yourself and your experiences.

Mindfulness practice supports you to settle the mind when it is 'scattered' and full of thought, enabling you to come back to the present moment by using simple breathing and meditation practices.

Mindfulness is a natural state of mind in which you are focused, fully present and aware, however not one that many people access in today’s fast paced society.

Rooted in the ancient practice of Buddhist meditation, mindfulness can be learned and practised by anyone, regardless of religion (or lack there-of), culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or disability - the approach is completely secular.
 
From the 1970s, mindfulness has been taught as a complementary therapy in various settings, such as the offices of google, schools, corporations, prisons, government agencies, hospitals and mental health settings.
 
There is a considerable body of research that demonstrates the effectiveness of Mindfulness in a wide variety of contexts. NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) recommends it as a frontline treatment for relapsing depression. However it is not just depression that can be effectively supported through Mindfulness practice…