The Power of Mindfulness: Discover the Incredible Benefits

By Kim O'Neill

Mindfulness is all about the relationship we have with ourselves and the world around us. It involves living in the present moment and being fully aware and engaged in every aspect of our lives.

Mindfulness is not about changing how we feel, but rather about how we relate to our feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations. It requires intentionally paying attention to each moment with curiosity, acceptance, and friendliness, rather than judgment and criticism.

Meditation is a form of attention training that takes time and practice to learn. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing our attention on the present through our senses and then extending that mindfulness to our thoughts and emotions.

The benefits of mindfulness are numerous. It has been shown to improve cognitive and academic/work performance, health and wellbeing, and relationships. Contrary to popular belief, mindfulness does not make us feel happier or better. Instead, it helps us stay present with our experiences, both positive and negative, without judgment or dismissal. It allows us to explore our thoughts, emotions, and sensations without trying to control or manipulate them.

When we are not mindful, our minds tend to wander into default mode or automatic pilot. Research has shown that our minds wander around 47% of the time, making us consistently less happy. Mind wandering can lead to unpleasant thoughts, worrying, and reacting in ways that may not be beneficial.

Default mode/automatic pilot is also associated with anxiety and depression. However, by practicing mindfulness, we can become better at noticing when our minds have wandered off and bring them back to the present moment. This is essential for enhancing our relationships with ourselves, the people we love and the communities in which we live and work.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for improving our overall well-being. It allows us to be fully present in each moment, accepting whatever arises without judgment.

By cultivating mindfulness through meditation and intentional attention training, we can enhance our cognitive abilities, health, relationships, and overall happiness.

Blaze Psychology offers mindfulness meditation coaching and a range of mental health support services at our West Melbourne Psychology clinic.