Mindfulness - Achieving Well-being

 

Mindfulness, an idea of living more consciously and purposefully, is gaining recognition in mainstream circles, as it allows us to regain the joy of life and learn to cope with stress in a more efficient way. Living simply in the here and now moment makes our life feel more fulfilled, more easier and happier.

The quality of our attention is disturbed many times during the day. We often react unconsciously to what is happening and we project our thoughts and emotions almost immediately. In mindfulness we stop the ongoing mental processes and instead we simply sense what is happening right here, right now. This mindful awareness is practiced in relation to our body and physical sensations, our thoughts and emotions, and our environment. We switch off the judging pattern, and consciously choose to observe the whole internal and external situation we are in at any moment - with a sense of curiosity. Our minds embrace the whole picture - hence the term.

Breaking from the habitual responses and thought patterns and replacing them with a conscious awareness and a sense of curiosity is helpful in developing a more mature, wholesome way of life. Living in this way allows us to be more in line with our true needs and values. Cultivating an impartial attitude also helps in resolving conflicts and misunderstandings. 

Mindfulness training consists of systematic repetition of specific exercises that are designed to direct our attention intentionally and to focus it more effectively. In this way we become more calm and relaxed during the waking hours and the quality of sleep also improves.

The most common techniques are based on relaxation, awareness of the body, deep and slow breathing, 

gentle movement, mindful walking, appreciating nature, creating some art. In case of having spent a lot of hours in front of a computer at the office - it is better to engage ourselves in a more active form of mediation. If you work physically and move around a lot - it is of course better to sit down and spend some time in a still and quiet moment. Creating this time of peace and tranquillity on a regular, daily basis allows our body system to adapt more quickly to this new mindful state.

Mindfulness is about observation and self-knowledge. They are the key to getting rid of unpleasant, habitual reactions, judgments, automatic thinking and acting. Being able to make more conscious choices and better decisions, to deal better with everyday situations are extremely valuable in the long run. Everyday stress is neutralized more easily and it brings a sense of internal freedom and  independence. Our well-being is not cornered to the external circumstances only. Mindfulness practised daily has a huge impact on our emotional state and often - on our health.

Over the last several decades, numerous scientific studies have been carried out on the use of mindfulness in the treatment of various mental and somatic problems. The results confirm that mindfulness can be an effective or very supportive method of treatment in circulatory disorders such as hypertension, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, diabetes. Systematic practice of mindfulness triggers a pro-health attitude, increases self-esteem and respect for others. It should be taught in schools and be an integral part of the curriculum; it should be run in the GP practices and hospitals and promoted in workplaces and media - for a better, healthier, happier society.