Perhaps you find yourself always thinking about something other than where you are and what you are doing or worrying about the past or something scary in the future. It is natural—we all do it. But our inattention to THIS moment can rob us of joy.
What is mindfulness? Mindfulness involves intentional attention to the present moment—with compassion and without judgment. Being right here, right now. Not concerned with what just happened, with what happened ten years ago, or with what may happen in one hour. When we are mindful, we can truly breathe, we expand, we can embrace this moment.
Mindfulness may include guided visualization, meditation, conscious breath, yoga or various grounding techniques. It helps us train our brains to tap into their natural capacities for self-correction and healing. It helps eliminate our unconscious negative thinking patterns and redirect our attention to joy. Research supports the effectiveness of these tools in shifting brain patterns, reducing stress and contributing to an overall increase in mental, emotional, social and spiritual functioning.