Mindfulness is defined as "the intentional, accepting and non-judgmental focus of one's attention on the emotions, thoughts and sensations occurring in the present moment.” When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Mindfulness is becoming a very popular way to help people address a whole host of psychological conditions and clinical studies have documented the physical and mental health benefits of mindfulness. Mindfulness helps us deepen and broaden our awareness, increase our acceptance and compassion for ourselves and others, decrease negative self-talk, increase appreciation and connection and generally helps us transform our relationship with ourselves into one of greater gentleness and ease.
Here’s an acronym that is an easy-to-remember tool for practicing mindfulness. It was first coined about 20 years ago by Michele McDonald, it has four steps:
R
ecognize what is going on;
N
atural awareness, which comes from not identifying
with the experience.
Try it, it’s a good place to start.