Mindfulness – What is it?

Mindfulness seems to be the latest craze and I am hearing it used so much these days.

What is it though?

In it’s simplest form – Mindfulness is paying attention, with intention to the present moment, without judgement but with an attitude of curiosity and compassion. ( from John- Kabat Zinn)

It is our only reality – this moment in time. And if we are curious and only notice what our senses are picking up, we are being truly mindful.

This awareness helps us feel more grounded, more at peace and at one with ourselves. We also grow in resilience, respond more than react and in general, feel better in ourselves as we cope better at life and living.

So, will you give mindfulness a go? Just take a moment and pause and simply notice what your senses are picking up.

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters by Portia Nelson

Chapter I
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost… I am hopeless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter II
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in this same place.
But it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

 Chapter III
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it there.
I still fall in… it’s a habit… but,
my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

 Chapter IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter V
I walk down another street.