There is much confusion about what Mindfulness is and is not. Sometimes understanding is clarified by expressing what something isn’t, as much as what it is. To which end I offer what Mindfulness is not……..
* Mindfulness is not trying to relax. When we become aware of what is happening in our lives it can be anything but relaxing, especially if we are stuck in a difficult situation. As we learn more about ourselves we become less surprised by the feelings and thoughts that arise within us. We can let go of emotional storms more easily.
* Mindfulness is not about emptying the mind of thoughts. The brain will always produce thoughts – that’s what it does. Mindfulness allows us to develop a more harmonious relationship with our thoughts and feelings through a deep understanding of how the mind works. It may feel as though we have fewer thoughts, because we’re not struggling with them so much.
* Mindfulness is not about transcending ordinary life. Mindfulness is about making intimate contact with each moment of our lives, no matter how trivial or mundane. It is about experiencing oneself more fully, in the reality of our life as it is.
* Mindfulness is not a religion. Although mindfulness has been practiced by Buddhist nuns and monks for over 2,500 years, any purposeful activity that increases awareness of moment-to-moment experience is a mindful exercise. We can practice mindfulness as part of a religion or not. Modern scientific psychology considers mindfulness to be a core healing factor.
* Mindfulness is not escape from pain. We rarely do anything without the wish to feel better and you will feel better through mindfulness and acceptance, but only by learning not to escape from pain.
* Mindfulness is not difficult. You shouldn’t feel disheartened when you discover your mind wanders incessantly. That’s the nature of the mind. It is not possible to do this practice perfectly, nor is it possible to fail. That is why it is called a “practice.”
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