A lot has been spoken about mindfulness in recent times, and it tends to be a ‘buzz’ word. So what exactly is mindfulness?

Jon Kabat Zinn, (JKZ) a modern day guru of the western application of mindfulness, defines mindfulness as “paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, as if your life depended on it, non-judgementally.” *

In fact, JKZ states that mindfulness is actually what comes out of paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally, as if your life depended on it… and that is, nothing else than awareness.

JKZ suggests that the domains of attention and awareness are shared by all of us, and that the goal of mindfulness is how to cultivate them.

We live in a fast-paced and often chaotic world where stress-related problems including medical illness, anxiety and depression are prevalent. Stress is a part of life. Stress and anxiety affect our health.

How can mindfulness help?

Through mindfulness, we can learn how to directly relate to our life. As we become more aware of our inner experience of thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, we have the opportunity to feel better. We are better equipped to manage stress and anxiety more effectively, sleep better, have increased energy levels, and increase our sense of enjoyment and pleasure.

*Quoted from:- Kabat-Zinn, J. Mindfulness for beginners. Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2006.