Q&A

What is the concept of mindfulness?

What is the concept of mindfulness?

Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future.

What are the three important aspects of mindfulness?

In general, they seek to develop three key characteristics of mindfulness:

  • Intention to cultivate awareness (and return to it again and again)
  • Attention to what is occurring in the present moment (simply observing thoughts, feelings, sensations as they arise)
  • Attitude that is non-judgmental, curious, and kind.

What are mindfulness interventions?

Mindfulness interventions aim to foster an open and accepting awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings, including an observant attitude toward the thought patterns and body experiences that occur when one feels acutely anxious or depressed.

What is mindfulness based stress reduction?

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a healing approach that combines meditation and yoga. Developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in the 1970s, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction aims to address the unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors thought to increase stress and undermine your health.

What is an example of mindfulness?

Some examples include: Pay attention. It’s hard to slow down and notice things in a busy world. Try to take the time to experience your environment with all of your senses — touch, sound, sight, smell and taste.

What is the main tenant of mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the capacity to be fully present with one’s actual, moment-to-moment experience as it is arising, with kind attention, without the mind trying to make it different.

What are the core concepts of mindfulness?

The five core concepts include (a) present-focused awareness, (b) an accepting or open attitude, (c) a nonjudging approach, (d) compassion for self and others, and (e) the energy of mindfulness.

What are examples of mindfulness interventions?

Formal meditation practices include sitting meditation, mindful movement (including walking medication and gentle yoga exercises), and the body scan, which teaches individuals to mindfully focus on bodily sensations, starting with the feet and progressively moving to the head and neck.

What are examples of mindfulness techniques?

Some examples include:

  • Pay attention. It’s hard to slow down and notice things in a busy world.
  • Live in the moment. Try to intentionally bring an open, accepting and discerning attention to everything you do.
  • Accept yourself. Treat yourself the way you would treat a good friend.
  • Focus on your breathing.

How do I become a certified mindfulness-based stress reduction?

You will usually need to take the eight-week MBSR course as a participant before you can officially start your teacher training. Many providers will request that you allow six months to study the MBSR curriculum and attend a retreat, followed by a further 4-12 months to lead two x 8-week MBSR courses of your own.

What does widening the circle of concern mean?

More than a discussion guide, this Study/Action provides framing and helpful hints on how your community can actively participate in transformative liberation. Widening the Circle is joyful change work that’s deeply rooted in our shared UU theology.

What’s the scientific definition of the word Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the self-regulation of attention with an attitude of curiosity, openness, and acceptance. This is the operational, scientific definition of mindfulness put forth 13 years ago. Sadly, when I’ve mentioned it to thousands of workshop participants over the years, only a handful (maybe 5 percent) have heard of it.

Which is the best way to think about mindfulness?

If you travel in spiritual circles then you know of other ways of thinking about mindfulness such as keeping your attention alive in the present moment. These insights by Jon Kabat-Zinn and Thich Nhat Hanh, respectively, are powerful and practical.

Where did the poem widening circles come from?

“Widening Circles” from Rilke’s Book of Hours: Love Poems to God. Translation by Joanna Macy and Anita Barrows, reprinted with permission. This poem was originally read in the On Being episode “ A Wild Love for the World .”