On this page, you will find an outline of mindfulness and how I have come to understand the practice throughout my research.
There are so many different interpretations and understandings of mindfulness, so defining what I mean when I use this term is essential.
Throughout my project, I have been framing mindfulness within the context of Jon Kabat-Zinn's definition:
"Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally.”
There are so many different interpretations and understandings of mindfulness, so defining what I mean when I use this term is essential.
Throughout my project, I have been framing mindfulness within the context of Jon Kabat-Zinn's definition:
"Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally.”
Image from https://twitter.com/actionhappiness/status/1091276362957144064
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While mindfulness does have its roots in the Buddhist tradition of awareness, paying attention and being present, the western notions of mindfulness, as we commonly use it today, can be credited to Jon Kabat-Zinn. Kabat-Zinn spent time learning from well-known Buddhist teachers, like Thich Nhat Hanh and then implemented what he learnt into his Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program to treat chronic pain (Mindfulness, n.d.). The findings of his research were that most people tried to avoid the pain/discomfort, but living in a state of avoidance enhanced their bodies' stress. Kabat-Zinn found that practicing mindfulness allowed for outcomes to become more favourable for his patients. Mindfulness has now transformed into a common practice used for various reasons, both formally and casually, to positively support individuals through stressors that they might be going through, such as anxiety, depression, new or loss of job, and dysregulation, to name a few. Mindfulness allows for our heart to be present in each moment and to help us heal from the inside out.
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At this point, many people are quick to assume that mindfulness is attached to Buddhism and is inherently connected with religion due to its roots- this is one of the most common misconceptions about mindful practices. Although mindfulness has its origins in Buddhism, the common practice we see in our daily lives is entirely secular and not connected to religion in any way. Being mindful or present in the moment is something that all human beings are capable of and that many people do without recognizing it as such- we are all able to think and be present in the moment, no matter what religious affiliations you may hold.
I think it is essential to discuss what mindfulness looks like, as well as what it is. Mindfulness can look like many different things. Any activity can be based on mindfulness if you can be purposefully present in the moment. |
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You can practice mindfulness by sitting quietly and focusing on your breath, sitting and focusing on a sound, colouring, walking, tearing paper, sports, yoga, etc. Mindfulness does not need to happen in a formal setting (Staff, 2021). In reality, mindfulness is easier to achieve when you let go of the grandiose notions of "meditation." Focus more on the small moments in your day where you can take a moment to breathe or reset your mind. Finding a mindfulness practice that works for you is so important- it can take many different shapes, so it is necessary to find the shape that fits you well.
8 Facts About Mindfulness
While engaging with my inquiry, I came across this list of mindfulness facts from mindful.org that I thought helped frame this discussion. See below for the eight facts about mindfulness that helped me put it all into perspective:
- Mindfulness is not obscure or exotic. It’s familiar to us because it’s what we already do, how we already are. It takes many shapes and goes by many names.
- Mindfulness is not a special added thing we do. We already have the capacity to be present, and it doesn't require us to change who we are. But we can cultivate these innate qualities with simple practices that are scientifically demonstrated to benefit ourselves, our loved ones, our friends and neighbours, the people we work with, and the institutions and organizations we take part in
- You don’t need to change. Solutions that ask us to change who we are or become something we’re not have failed us over and over again. Mindfulness recognizes and cultivates the best of who we are as human beings.
- Mindfulness has the potential to become a transformative social phenomenon. Here’s why:
- Anyone can do it. Mindfulness practice cultivates universal human qualities and does not require anyone to change their beliefs. Everyone can benefit, and it's easy to learn.
- It’s a way of living. Mindfulness is more than just a practice. It brings awareness and caring into everything we do—and it cuts down needless stress. Even a little makes our lives better.
- It’s evidence-based. We don’t have to take mindfulness on faith. Both science and experience demonstrate its positive benefits for our health, happiness, work, and relationships.
- It sparks innovation. As we deal with our world’s increasing complexity and uncertainty, mindfulness can lead us to effective, resilient, low-cost responses to seemingly intransigent problems.
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Although mindfulness may be challenging to understand at first, I found this video from Happify to help frame the importance/benefits of mindfulness in a symbolic way to highlight human capacity. In this video, they talk about how every person has two wolves inside of them- the red wolf who is vengeful and fearful and a blue wolf who is generous and compassionate. It is much easier to feed to the red wolf, but it starts to take over our feelings when it gets fed so much more than the blue wolf. Mindfulness (being kind to yourself) helps to feed the blue wolf, so in times of distress, the blue wolf can remain more potent than the red wolf.
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Please click the button below to learn more about the brain-based research behind mindfulness.
References:
Mindfulness. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/mindfulness
Staff, M. (2021, February 18). What is mindfulness? Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://www.mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness/
Staff, M. (2021, February 18). What is mindfulness? Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://www.mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness/