Mindfulness What is it and How Do You Use It?

Mindfulness is an increasingly popular approach to improving your health and well-being. Mindfulness is defined as a state of deep restful meditation in which the meditative mind is free of distraction. A mind that is constantly fed with \’what is\’ or \’who is\’ is a mind that is at peace, grounded and able to respond to changes wisely. In its most basic form, mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment.

Many people are familiar with mindfulness practices such as mindfulness walking and mindfulness meditation; however, there is another important form of mindfulness that many do not know what is it? I call this mindfulness while you are sleeping. Simply put, mindfulness what is it?

Mindfulness is often described as a state of quietude. But is it? Is it merely walking meditation? Or is it a more subtle, inclusive way of thinking, feeling and behaving? To answer this question we need to look deeper into the nature of mindfulness itself.

Mindfulness originated from Eastern teachings. According to those traditions, the human mind was originally formed by an unspoiled nature. It existed to contemplate the true nature of everything in existence, including the self. Ancient cultures put great emphasis on ritualistic activities that helped focus the mind. Meditation was a primeval practice for many ancient cultures. And mindfulness was central to the process of meditation.

There are several common features that characterize mindfulness. In the simplest terms, mindfulness is about being present. Being present does not mean being still. Being still does not mean being asleep. Nor does it mean being daydreaming. True mindfulness is a ongoing experience.

Commonly, when people talk about mindfulness, they speak in terms of consciousness and mindfulness. However, mindful being is just one component of mindfulness. What is it? mindfulness consists of five basic elements: intention, body, emotions, focus and respect. The five elements constitute the nature of mindfulness. The word \’intention\’ refers to a desire to do the right thing.

Intention directs our action towards the rightness of our desires. Thus intention can be called mindfulness. Body, emotions and thoughts have some relationship to intention. Emotions are related to the body. Focus is related to thoughts. Respect is a basic value we all have.

The essence of mindfulness is to pay attention to what is happening around us, rather than our thoughts. Thus mindfulness what is it? The answer is mindfulness. Awareness is our basic frame of mind. Without it, there can be no meditation, no mindfulness, no progress in life. So, pay attention to your environment, the people around you, the sounds and even the colors of the day.

Take note of the feelings of others and how you feel about them. See yourself in their shoes-not their description of you. Listen with an open mind, without judging or criticism. Look deeply into the person next to you in the crowd. Listen to the news and the radio without commentating on them.

Put mindfulness into action. For instance, when you go shopping, stop and look at the things around you. Notice the color of clothes, the fabric and materials used in making that item. Notice the work and effort put into that object.

As you observe your surroundings and others, you will be led into noticing the connections between the two. You will see what they mean. Then you can decide if you want to buy that object. If you like it, then you go ahead and buy it. But first, you will develop mindfulness.

Take one step at a time. Try not to rush anything. If you hurry, you\’ll lose focus. So just take it one step at a time. Remember mindfulness to be a tool for life. Use it to enrich your life and make it more meaningful.