What is mindfulness?
In simple terms, mindfulness is about being more awake to the present moment. It's about reducing our tendency to leave present-moment reality and get stuck in our heads where we find ourselves tangled in worries about the future and regrets about the past and the painful emotions that go along with this. It's about curbing our tendency to judge so that we can develop a more peaceful relationship with ourselves, with others, and with life. It can help us befriend ourselves and our experiences and be present for matters most, perhaps finding more joy and appreciation there.
It's a highly practical mental and emotional skill that allows us to relate and react differently to our experiences so that we can be more balanced, skillful, and resilient. Research shows mindfulness is effective for reducing anxiety, stress, depression, emotional reactivity and for improving well-being, self-control, and our relationships. My clients often tell me that it has opened their eyes and changed their lives for the better. This is why it's a core part of many of the most effective therapies and why I use it. |