Understanding Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness is defined as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience, moment by moment” (Kabat-Zinn, 2003 p. 145). The goal of mindfulness is to teach participants to become aware of body sensations, thoughts, and emotions and to relate to them with an open, non-judgmental attitude.
Cultivating Mindfulness
This open state of mind can be cultivated by the repeated practice of giving your full attention to each moment as it unfolds and accepting it as it is, not striving to fix it or change it. To achieve this, we apply the foundational attitudes of mindfulness – non-judging, patience, acceptance, non-striving, letting go, trust, and a beginner’s mind – to our practice.
The Role of Meditation
Meditation is the tool, the vehicle, we use to help us cultivate our mindfulness. It is through meditation practice that we learn to integrate the attitudes required to cultivate a mindful mind. Mindfulness meditation can be practiced sitting, lying down, or walking.
Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation
- Increased feelings of being centred, grounded, and present
- Helps with emotional regulation
- Improves happiness, sense of well-being, and appreciation of life
- Improves body functions such as sleep and concentration
- Feel calmer and able to deal with life’s challenges more easily
- Improves decision making and clarity of thought
- Can reduce pain
- Studies show improvement in chronic conditions, heart conditions, and cancer
- Reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and negative thoughts
Additional Support
A trauma-informed therapist can help in the management of trauma.