Mindfulness: Is it really what I think it is?
/There seems to be a theme of common misconceptions regarding mindfulness. To better understand these misconceptions, one must know what mindfulness really is.
Mindfulness is a type of meditation that allows one to focus on what they are feeling and sensing in a given moment. They are not actively thinking about anything else - other than simply thinking about how their shoes feel or what they can currently smell. Thoughts are fleeting and are not actively being interpreted or judged. You’re being intentional with your awareness of your surroundings, yourself, feelings, sensations, and the present moment.
Common misconception #1: There is no benefit to mindfulness
Effective mindfulness implementation can relax the body and reduce stress. Ultimately, it’s a technique to ground yourself and allow you to be aware of your body. It has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress and to improve mood, self-esteem, and attention.
Common misconception #2: You don’t do anything when practicing mindfulness
There are many different implementations of mindfulness. It can include breathing techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, body scanning, yoga, using your five senses to notice things around you, or guided imagery to induce relaxation.
Common misconception #3: It is hard to implement mindfulness
It is easy to implement mindfulness into your daily life. Yes, you can set aside time to do it, or you can do it during tasks you already do every day.
For example, the next time you shower, pay attention to how the water feels on your skin - is it hot, cold, or prickling your skin? What does your shampoo smell like - lavender, vanilla, orange? Look at the shapes the steam is creating on the glass door or mirror. What do you hear around you? Maybe you hear the water droplets hitting the shower floor or your kids playing in the other room. Can you taste the coffee on your breath from the cup you drank this morning?
Tuning in to all of these senses will allow you to be present in the moment and aware of how your senses are interpreting the things around you.
The biggest things to take away from mindfulness and what makes it so effective are the increase of awareness over time and with practice, being observant to what is happening in the current moment between your body, thoughts, and things around you, and being open-minded - not judging your passing thoughts, but instead taking the time to self reflect.