Mindfulness isn’t a new buzzword, or trending fad, it’s been around thousands of years, originating from the Eastern practice of Buddhism and meditation. This ancient concept has been successful in treating those suffering with anxiety, depression, addiction, panic attacks, stress, OCD, as well as other mental or physical conditions occurring in today’s society. In a nutshell; Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, without judgment. It allows us to live within the moment, rather than worrying about the future, creating anxiety and tension, or scrutinizing over the past, creating negative emotion and depression.
The mind produces thousands of thoughts every day. Some positive, some negative. Ultimately we choose whether to feed the positive, or the negative. Habitually we can become trapped in the draining cycle of negative thinking, panic, stress, judgment, conflict, drama, and self-pity. This negative thinking is created by the mindset of the Ego. When a thought comes into our mind the Ego takes us out of the present moment. Becoming aware and observing thoughts in a non-judgmental way brings us back into the present moment. The three main concepts are; Observe, Accept, and Release. Observe and accept the thought, then draw your attention to how it feels within the body to enable it to release. An example might be when anxiety creates a butterfly feeling within the gut. You can name this feeling ‘anxiety’ or ‘fear’. When you feel the emotion behind the thought within the body, it naturally disperses and releases.
Mindfulness invites us to adopt a different mindset perspective, one that’s based on reality. It teaches us to accept situations as they arise. To understand that in nature’s cycle; nothing stays the same; therefore nothing is permanent. It teaches us to let go of control, adopting a realistic acceptance that life has moments of suffering. Without challenge we cannot change, grow, and learn. If we adopt a more positive mindset, even when faced with difficulty, we can transform our health and wellbeing.
Mindfulness can be applied to many areas of life, benefitting both adults and children. We can consciously apply it to daily activities such as washing up, cooking, walking, or driving. How often do we carry out these tasks whilst thinking about the future or the past? I’d also recommend applying mindfulness to nature, which has great therapeutic value. Next time you go for a walk around the stunning landscape we’re so blessed to be surrounded by, be mindful of how the earth feels beneath your feet, what colour the sky is, or how the breath moves in and out of the body.
Katie Bullen is a fully qualified Yogalates teacher in Frant, Tunbridge Wells and always brings mindfulness into her weekly classes. She is also a mindfulness therapist; working with cognitive behavioural therapy, counseling, relaxation techniques, healing and EFT. Contact Katie at harmonisemeinfo @ gmail.com, or 07747120718 for further information.
