In our busy lives, it is difficult to find or even prioritise moments of stillness and reflection where we can simply appreciate what is happening around us and within us right now.  However, mindfulness, rooted in ancient contemplative cultures and traditions, continues to gain recognition for its ability to enhance wellbeing and advance positive changes in our lives. In this blog post, I will discuss the essence of mindfulness, its benefits and share some key insights from psychologist Ellen Langer who has studied mindfulness for many years. 

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention to the present moment.  Put simply it means having awareness or intentionally noticing what is happening around you, to you, within you, right here, right now.  It involves observing thoughts and feelings without any judgement, allowing us to fully engage with our experiences.  The practice of mindfulness encourages us to be aware of our surroundings, sensations, and emotions, fostering a deep connection to the present moment. An example of mindlessness is when we drive home from work, and we have no recall of the drive home, or how we even got home.  It is easy to function on autopilot when things are familiar.  It is also easy to immerse ourselves in thoughts about the past or worries of the future which also reduce our ability to act mindfully. 

Ellen Langer, a prominent figure in the field of mindfulness research, emphasises the importance of mindfully engaging with the world around us. She asserts, “Mindfulness simply means being aware – of your surroundings, of your thoughts and feelings, and of the choices you are making in the moment.”

Examples of mindfulness in everyday life

Mindful Breathing: One of the simplest and most accessible mindfulness practices is mindful breathing.  Taking a few moments each day to focus on your breath can anchor you in the present, providing a respite from the constant chatter of the mind.

Mindful Eating: How often do we devour a meal without truly savouring each bite? Mindful eating involves paying attention to the taste, texture, and aroma of our food, and appreciating its importance in nourishing us and gifting us with good health.

Mindful Walking: When we pay attention to each step, the sensation of our feet touching the ground, and the sights and sounds around us we can transform our daily stroll to be a meaningful and beneficial activity that strengthens our body.

Mindful Conversations: When we communicate openly, honestly and truly listen without the need to return a reply, we can enhance our relationships and connect at a deeper level.

Benefits of Mindfulness:

1.      Stress reduction: Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress by promoting a non judgemental awareness of thoughts and feelings. By acknowledging and accepting the present moment, individuals can cultivate a sense of calm and resilience.

2.      Improved mental health: Research indicates that mindfulness can be effective in managing anxiety and depression. By fostering a non-reactive awareness, individuals can gain better control over their mental well-being.

3.      Enhanced focus and productivity: Regular mindfulness practice has been linked to improvements in attention and cognitive function.  By training the mind to stay present, individuals can enhance their focus and productivity in their personal and professional lives.

Conclusion

In a world full of distractions, cultivating mindfulness offers a pathway to a more fulfilling and balanced life.  As Ellen Langer suggests, “When you are mindful, you are with what is, experiencing it deeply, fully engaged in the present moment.”  By integrating mindfulness into our daily routines, we can unlock the transformative power of the present and embrace a more conscious and meaningful existence. 

Try engaging in at least one daily activity to strengthen your “mindfulness muscle.” There is so much to gain!  A personal example is Christmas 2023 where I intentionally focused on the joy and pleasure of being in the company of all of my children (who now live all around NZ) for three full days.  Best Christmas ever with no pressures, no expectations, no hurrying off to be places, just appreciating every moment we had together, and being fully mindful of the experiences we shared on those days.