What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a state of fully being in the present, totally aware of your thoughts and feelings. The awareness has to be in such a way that you are not left caught up in your thoughts and feelings. It is an ability that we all possess naturally but is not readily available. Like many other skills mindfulness is also a skill that can be acquired and polished to get better results in our everyday life. 

But the question arises why is mindfulness important and how can we use it more efficiently?

To be fully aware of the present and be completely engrossed in it, a great amount of focus is required and when you achieve it you get numerous benefits. The benefits include the rise in the level of focus and happiness which ultimately leads to decreased stress and sadness.

Mindfulness helps in living in the present rather than being held in the thoughts and feelings. So in simple terms mindfulness helps in acquiring better control over the way we react to the situations in our life which indeed is a must to have skill.

Here are 10 things to remember before practicing Mindfulness if you are a Beginner.

1. Mindfulness is a continuous process.

Unlike meditation which is practiced for a specific amount of time in a day, mindfulness is an ongoing process of being active in the present. Mindfulness is more of a way of living than a practice. You can start learning mindfulness by starting to practice mindfulness meditation but this doesn’t mean it is the only way you can do it. Mindfulness can be applied to most of the things we do in our day-to-day life.

2. Mindfulness is not about stopping the thoughts.

As it may sound but it is not. Mindfulness is not at all about blocking the thoughts to be in present. Our thoughts are also part of our present moment. We just need to be aware of them instead of clinging on them and lose our attention from what’s going on in the present.

3. Don’t be judgemental. Keep open acceptance.

When you practice Mindfulness the thoughts will always be there in front of you. All you have to do is to try to observe them and let them go without indulging in them in any way. You don’t even have to judge them and label them as positive or negative. Just observe and let them pass with the moment.

4. Find a strong motive.

A motive or a goal to do something keeps us engaged in it. So it is important to find a motive for practicing Mindfulness consistently. There can be many places where Mindfulness can help in your daily life be it in studies, relationships, self-love, and whatnot. Find your motive and keep on practicing until you get better at it and start noticing the result.

In short, make it an important part of your life. Make mindfulness a way of your living style and an indispensable part of your life.

5. It takes time to get it in Habit.

Like Rome was not built in a day so can’t be a good habit. It takes small baby steps to reach a greater distance. Start by practicing Mindfulness for about three to four times in a week and then gradually scale it. Consistency is all it requires along with a strong motive.

6. Multitasking is a myth.

Believe it or not but the fact which we hear most of the time about Humans being able to multi-task is nothing more than a myth. In the latest research scientists say that we humans are not as good as we think we are at switching from one task to another. 

When you practice Mindfulness you try to stick to a single task at a time which in turn is the same as being in the present and not oscillating from one task to another. This not only increases our focus on a single work but also enhances the quality of work. This may feel unrealistic but you will notice how realistic it is once you start practicing it. 

7. Create mindfulness promoting environment.

Our environment affects us at a deeper level than we know or realise. Every process requires an environment to achieve the best result. The same goes for Mindfulness. Beginners can make the process of learning mindfulness easy by surrounding them with an environment that is best suitable for practicing it. It may include a designated practice place, using special sound/music, and many other things.

The less distraction, the easier it becomes to practice.

8. Start with a simple activity.

There are many places where Mindfulness can be applied but to start the process it can begin from as simple as being aware of our breathing process. This is the basic step one can try to do. It can be done anywhere and at any time. You just have to concentrate on your breathing process. You have to be aware of the changes that your body goes through on each inhale and exhale.

9. Distraction will be there.

Distractions will always be there. You will find it so hard to get rid of them and concentrate. But do not let this stop you. This is something that is fundamental and happens to everyone. Slowly and slowly try to ignore the distractions as they will always be there around you, you just have to get them out of your mind. 

Many times your mind will be filled with thoughts and feelings that are so bad and negative, but always remember you are not your thoughts so let them go and don’t get yourself tangled in them.

10. Enjoy the process.

This is the part that always feels like it is easier said than done but it is true. You may find it hard to enjoy the process in the initial stage but a time will come when you’ll do and when you will start doing it your drive to practice the process will certainly increase. And this is applicable to every process and activity. So is the mindfulness. 

We hope now you find yourself ready to practice Mindfulness. And when you do just remember these points and keep continuing no matter what. All the best!