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Mindfulness practice originated more than 2,000 years ago in Eastern spiritual traditions (primarily Buddhism). It has been popularized in the West during the past 50 years. Thousands of scientific studies have shown the benefits of Mindfulness in many contexts (e.g., neurological, medical, social, occupational, psychological, etc.). Mindfulness is now widely used in education, therapeutic, and business settings to promote wellness. Countless books, websites, periodicals, podcasts, etc. have been produced about Mindfulness.
Mindfulness involves a purposeful and objective awareness of oneself and the world around you. In this manner, you can gain insights into how the mind works and develop skills to cultivate a happier, healthier life. Direct experience through meditation, contemplation, and practice is a key component of Mindfulness.
Mindfulness skills and insights allow you to regulate your thoughts and emotions and to free yourself from stress – it is a ‘superpower’ that puts you in the driver’s seat of your life rather than being carried along as a passenger by whatever thoughts and habits arise.
A Zen story tells of a person riding a horse. A bystander hollers, "where are you going?" And the person replies, "I don't know, ask the horse!" Many of us live our lives in this manner - our attention follows whatever thoughts arise in the mind. Unchecked thoughts, however, tend toward the negative because the brain's primary job is to keep us safe by predicting and preparing for threats. We need this natural tendency, but Mindfulness gives us insights into how the mind works and skills to manage the content and quality of our thoughts to promote inner calm and contentment.
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