What mindfulness means?

Mindfulness is a buzzword in the self-care and mental health worlds. This is in large part due to the amount of scientific attention it has received in recent years through important studies that have revealed the practice of mindfulness may help alleviate everything from chronic stress to chronic pain. Mindfulness has clinical applications in mental health, and if you’re working with a therapist, you may be encouraged to develop a mindfulness practice.

Research conducted via imaging has revealed that mindfulness actually reduces the size of the amygdala in the brain. This region of the brain is the watchful protector, constantly scanning the environment for danger. For those with anxiety and trauma, mindfulness can prove helpful in calming the area of the brain responsible for hypervigilance and a quick to respond fight or flight reaction. The same research indicates that the prefrontal cortex of the brain thickens as a result of mindfulness practice, which means that the part of the brain that rationalizes and approaches things logically is strengthened.

Mindfulness as a practice is secular, or non-religious. This has also helped it rise to popularity, as it isn’t necessarily associated with a particular spiritual practice. Mindfulness itself is often confused with meditation, and while there are some similarities, mindfulness is unique. Mindfulness is simply paying attention at the moment, to what is happening at the moment, without judgment. In most modern cultures, this is more complicated than it may initially sound. With the distractions of work, school, relationships, chores, tasks to be completed, and electronic connection via phones, social media, and other means, it can be difficult to keep the mind at the moment, focused on what is happening only at that moment as an observer.

Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere. It doesn’t require a meditation room or peaceful setting; it can be practiced in the line at the grocery store or in your living room. One of the goals of practice is to develop an ability to become mindful outside of the time you set aside to build the skill of mindfulness. One of the keys to mindfulness, aside from paying attention at the moment, is doing so without judgment. If a distracting or unhelpful thought enters your mind, it is ok to become aware of it, to observe it, without judgment.

If you want to begin a mindfulness practice, talk with a therapist who has mindfulness training. Several forms of therapy include mindfulness interventions. You can also seek out a mindfulness coach, or classes, videos and apps to help you cultivate a mindfulness practice.