Mindfulness - umm, what is it?
Those little words!
Do you turn away when someone mentions the word mindfulness?
Yep, I raise my hands, every time I used to hear that word, it made me want to run in another direction!!! However, this was simply because so many people have a different personal explanation of what ‘mindfulness’ actually is.
Fundamentally, I think I walked away because I really didn’t understand what mindfulness actually is! My own misconceptions, admittedly not helped by other’s advice and perceptions made me want to put my fingers in my ears (like a child) and hastily retreat.
So what actually is mindfulness?
I asked myself so many times, what is it? Is mindfulness meditation, is it sitting there for 20 mins in yoga pants, trying to literally think of nothing? Empty your mind I was told (what actually is that) - Nope, still can’t do that!
Or is it about tapping a metal bowl with a tiny gong? Maybe some sort of noise. Water flowing, streams, nice relaxing music. Maybe, that’s it!!!
Or finally, is it something we all should be doing? Or is it just for peace and love? Is there an actual definitive answer?
So, to help you understand a little more, I have found you a great explanation of ‘Mindfulness myths’ this short videos link is at the bottom of the page, it was created by Russ Harris, who explains this more clearly, only it’s the opposite, it’s ‘what mindfulness isn’t’! (just click on the link) and enjoy.
And this is exactly how I see it.
So here goes, what I do think mindfulness is?
In essence, mindfulness is about being present!
An easy explanation would be: Being aware! Being connected to yourself and what’s going on around you.
It’s about your personal observations, your thoughts and your feelings. It’s also about reconnecting our bodies, our experiencing, as well as feeling and exploring our bodily sensations.
Mindfulness can involve relaxation techniques and meditation, it can also involve listening to calming music. However, it is also so much more than this (and more). It’s about being mindful in the present! Being there, personally showing up and experiencing both the positives and the negatives. Incorporating acts of mindfulness into our daily life’s definitely helps with our mental health and well-being.
Hope that makes sense!
It is also now heavily utilised as a helpful ‘tool’ within counselling and psychotherapy. Including trauma therapy and PTSD as well as depression anxiety and stress.
Finally, if you want to learn more about Russ Harris , start with his international best selling book ‘The Happiness Trap’. A great read for anyone, (Recommended).
He is also a trainer of ‘Acceptance Commitment Therapy’ (ACT) a form of psychotherapy, it’s a ‘mindfulness based behavioural therapy’ that looks at our values, our awareness and acceptance.
Picture taken from: www.thehappinesstrap.com
And as I personally really like the modern approach of Russ Harris, I recently ventured into the world of ACT and undertook a course.
ACT’s teachings and fundamental concepts definitely resonate with me, both on a personal and professional level. It has taught me a lot more about mindfulness and this time I didn’t want to run away! #RESULT
I hope one day I will fully understand what ‘mindfulness’ actually is?
So my advice is join me, spend some time on google. There are a lot of helpful resources out there.
Surely, together we can all get it!
Russ Harris - mindfulness video link here:-
To also help you more - you can also copy link below.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/mindfulness/about-mindfulness/