MINDFULNESS OR MINDLESSNESS?

MISS OHLALA EXPLORES THE “M” WORD WHILST TRYING TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND.

First let me admit that I am a self-confessed cynic. Buzz words like mindfulness continually popping up in my social media feed just make me want to practice *mindlessness. As for those mindfulness adult colouring books sold at every train station and airport, aren’t they just colouring-in books for adults who have zero art skills and have tired of Suduko?

According to some experts, active meditation (“M” word alert) focuses attention on simple tasks that require repetitive motion. Isn’t doing the washing up or watching Netflix just as therapeutic and arguably a better use of time? If you want to colour, knock yourself out, but please don’t call it meditation or therapy in front of me.

I realise that I may come across as hypocritical given the majority of my hobbies involve creating things such as painting and sewing. I acknowledge that some form of artistic or creative outlet is good for lowering stress and anxiety levels. But can mindfulness colouring books really lead to psychological nirvana?

I decided to put aside my cynicism for one moment. According to Wikipedia (the font of all knowledge), mindfulness is “the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to experiences occurring in the present moment, which can be developed through the practice of meditation (oh dear, that “M” word again) and other training”. Leaving the “M” word aside, it follows that paying more attention to the present moment, to ones own thoughts and to the world around us, could improve one’s mental wellbeing.

Would I pay money for a mindfulness therapist however?

Definitely not. Possibly because I expect they would make me sit cross legged to meditate and I haven’t been able to sit like that comfortably since I was four. Also perhaps because of a deep-seated scepticism for such therapies. Although if I am willing to pay for yoga and Pilates sessions, why should meditation or mindfulness be different?

Then I read that mindfulness is simply about “being present in the moment”. When put like that, I can associate with it. Case in point, my three year old recently pointed out to me that I wasn’t concentrating properly on being Princess Anna (we were play-acting at the time, and she had assigned herself the role of Elsa from Frozen, and I was Anna). She was entirely right. I was zoning out when playing, possibly in order to deal with Let It Go being sung out of tune for the hundredth time. I realised then that it is my responsibility to be more present in the moment if I want to be a good role model for my children. Now I try to put my mobile phone in a different room and really get involved when we are playing together.

As an adult, I always think that I need to be doing something to make good use of my time. If I’m not at work, then I am taking care of the children or the house or answering emails. This month I’m going to make a concerted effort to take time out to just enjoy the sunshine, the park, and sitting outside with friends and family.

Unlike me, children don’t automatically think the worst when presented with a new situation, I’m going to try to be less of a jaded cynic and try to keep an open, positive mindset. This resolution will however likely last less than one day.

CELEBRATE THE BEST OF OUR COUNTRY AND CULTURE - I LOVE QATAR BRUNCH.

Every Friday from 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm at Azraq Restaurant

Discover a passionate brunch concept that supports the best local farmers. Dine on the finest indigenous produce, crafted into a gourmet buffet journey of traditional Qatari cuisine.

Create your own local gastro experience from vibrant cooking stations. Select seafood delicacies, flavourful appetisers, cheeses, freshly baked breads and garden greens. Mix and match hot and cold mezzeh. Relish BBQ marinated meats with herb infused vegetables. Indulge in a long, sweet ending of Qatari desserts.

Outside guest prices:

QAR 300 per person including luxury boat transfer

QAR 175 per child including luxury boat transfer

In-house guest prices:

QAR 250 per person / QAR125 per child