Mindful of Mindfulness

Dear ones,

Mindfulness has become a popular buzzword in the world of wellness and mental health…and, it has a LOT of research and evidence to back up its validity as both a self-care strategy and a way of life. Which also means there are tons of free resources available to support our exploration and integration of mindfulness into our daily self-care and overall routines. 

According to Headspace.com,  

Mindfulness is the quality of being present  

and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment —  

free from distraction or judgment, and aware of our thoughts and feelings  

without getting caught up in them. 

A number of previous blog posts have included elements of mindfulness, and suggestions for ways to incorporate mindfulness into our individual daily activities by tuning into the present moment with curiosity, noticing our bodily sensations as well as our emotions, slowing our breath, and stepping back from active interaction with anything we are noticing. But as with most good things, collective and communal practice can be as important as individual practices. Group practices of mindfulness can have the benefits of individual stress reduction AND relational resilience-building, and can also reduce the isolation many of us may be feeling! And some communities prioritize practicing together for both support and accountability.

If you are looking for additional guidance about mindfulness practice, Insight Timer, Headspace, StopBreatheThink, Smiling Mind and Calm are free apps that offer many ways to practice and learn about mindfulness, and this article has ideas for teaching mindfulness to kids! There is also a free online course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction that anyone (and/or any group) can explore and participate in at their own pace.

Here’s to finding ways to be present in the moment, with curiosity and non-judgment, and to relax as best we can with/in whatever shows up there. 

Peace, 

Glynn