Mindfulness - A Simple Explanation

Very simply, mindfulness is a redirection of the attention. 

Mindfulness is the practice of reclaiming our attention, our focus.  Which has been hijacked by advertising and social media, and particularly our own thoughts and emotions.

For most people, the attention is constantly focused on the thoughts and feelings arising and swirling within themselves.  Whenever the mind is not fully engaged in something, the habit is to automatically focus on one’s thoughts and feelings, or to try to distract the attention so as not to focus on them.

Mindfulness is consciously redirecting the attention away from thoughts and feelings.  Whilst distraction is an unconscious redirection of the attention.  Distraction leads to the need for more and more distraction from the growing unrest inside, whilst mindfulness cultivates presence.

Presence reduces thinking, anxiety and stress.  Distraction and suppression increase them.

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing your full attention to what you are doing.  For example, when washing your hands, fully feel the sensations created in the hands.  Give your full visual attention to what you are doing and be aware of the sound of the running water.  Notice the scent of the soap.

Mindfulness is the practice of redirecting the attention from the mind and emotions – to the senses.

With the attention fully absorbed in what the senses are registering, it is impossible to think. 

Over time, the practice of mindfulness gradually breaks the habit of aimless thinking.  The mind slows down and the emotions settle – once they stop receiving the fuel of the attention.

Now it’s time for you to practise!  During what activities can you practice mindfulness this week?  While driving?  Taking a shower?  Brushing your teeth?  Eating?  Cooking?

If you do this every day for a week, you will notice the world around you and inside you slowing down.  There will be more space, more calm.  Try it and see.

If you are interested in exploring this and other meditation and mindfulness practices, then check out the Meditation 1 course.