What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness, according to Jon Kabat-Zinn, is "paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally." Basically, it is about being fully in the present and embracing your current experiences without holding on, pushing away, or needing to distract yourself from reality. Mindfulness has roots in Buddhist philosophy, though various kinds of meditation and contemplative practices can be found in all of the world wisdom traditions. There are multiple ways to connect with mindfulness from a pragmatic health-based approach to one that is deeply grounded in spirituality and liberation. My training as a mindfulness-based therapist, studying meditation and Buddhism in India and Nepal, and practicing mindfulness on long retreats in the Insight Meditation tradition give me a balanced approach as a mindfulness instructor to guide people into a rich experience of present-moment embodiment, acceptance, and compassion.
Mindfulness can be thought of as a characteristic, like patience, that some people have more of than others. The good news is that by training in mindful awareness practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness in daily life, one can develop the skill of mindfulness and begin to incorporate throughout their lives. As people increase in mindfulness, they tend to cope better with stress, feel more joy and peace, be kinder to themselves and others, and, in general, lead happier and healthier lives.
Resources
Attend a mindfulness retreat at the Insight Meditation Society, Spirit Rock, Southern Dharma, or the Bhavana Society.
Participate in the Mindful Self-Compassion Program.
Download the Insight Timer App to listen to guided meditations, participate in live sessions, and have a timer for meditation.
Listen to free talks related to mindfulness and meditation.
Mindfulness can be thought of as a characteristic, like patience, that some people have more of than others. The good news is that by training in mindful awareness practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness in daily life, one can develop the skill of mindfulness and begin to incorporate throughout their lives. As people increase in mindfulness, they tend to cope better with stress, feel more joy and peace, be kinder to themselves and others, and, in general, lead happier and healthier lives.
Resources
Attend a mindfulness retreat at the Insight Meditation Society, Spirit Rock, Southern Dharma, or the Bhavana Society.
Participate in the Mindful Self-Compassion Program.
Download the Insight Timer App to listen to guided meditations, participate in live sessions, and have a timer for meditation.
Listen to free talks related to mindfulness and meditation.
