What is mindfulness?

By Shannon Swenson

Mindfulness has become a popular self-improvement topic. You’ve undoubtedly heard about this “mindfulness movement” trend and probably know people who are practicing it. But what is mindfulness, exactly? And why should you be interested in it?

The definition of mindfulness is simple: being fully present in the moment, focused on and engaged in what’s happening, rather than being distracted or out of touch. It also means noticing what’s going on around us without being reactive or overwhelmed.

It sounds simple, and it is, but like most simple ideas, it’s implementing it that’s difficult. Mindfulness is a skill that must be learned and that requires practice to maintain. You’ve probably heard people talk about their “mindfulness practice.” They’re referring to their ongoing practice at being mindful.

The practice required is often done while going about your daily life, or while taking only a few minutes here and there away from your schedule to practice. You don’t have to devote long hours or take classes to learn mindfulness. It can be done by anyone no matter their schedule.

Most people don’t live in the present. Most of us live either in a future we’re working for or a past that’s already happened. Or we’re stuck in such an obsessive loop about our worries and problems that we’re too distracted to notice what’s around us.

The point of mindfulness is to be able to stop being distracted and instead be able to be fully with the moment. Have you ever been to a special event and been so distracted that when it was over, you realized you hadn’t been “present” and had missed it? Or gotten together but everyone is staring at their phone? That’s where mindfulness comes in handy. It can help you stop that.

There are only a few things you need to do to learn mindfulness. Most people start with mindfulness “pauses,” which is a form of meditation in which you stop what you’re doing and learn to pay attention to what’s going on around you.

Then they learn mindful movement and mindful activities -which means you learn to be mindful while you’re doing something else, such as exercising or working. Mindfulness is easy to learn and brings you a world of benefits, both physical and mental. It can even improve your relationships. Why not try it today and see what “presents” “presence” brings this holiday season?

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