Mindfulness

In the press, the concept of mindfulness is often seen as a bit hippy dippy. A bit crazy. Exclusively for Buddhists whilst crossing their legs in that impossible over-the-knee madness. I'm sure you need double jointed knees for that manoeuvre. 

But we are mindful every day. It's a part of being human. It's just recognising it and harnessing it to utilise it for better things and self development.

            'Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment. We also gain immediate access to our own powerful inner resources for insight, transformation, and healing.' - Jon Kabat-Zinn, Professor of Medicine Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School

Whenever you take a moment to reflect, as we in the healthcare system regularly do, both formally and informally, you are being mindful. Whenever you assess how well something went, how you could improve the situation, the role that you played, you are developing your insight and preparing for transformation.

See. You are doing it.

But how can we apply this to our lives? How can we actively be mindful to develop ourselves?

Just take a moment every day to actively think mindfully. Reflect on something, appreciate who you are and what you have, think of all the ways in which you are happy. Some choose to do it for ten minutes every morning, some choose to do it like the Buddhists in that mad seated position that my legs will never be able to do. I do it whenever I'm washing up. And I like it.

Give it a go. I dare you.

To read more about it, have a little look here. I know it's in the stress, anxiety and depression section, but everyone has mental health and that should be cared for.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety- depression/pages/mindfulness.aspx 

Personally managed births to go: 17