What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; On purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.
Jon Kabat-Zinn
One of my students asked this week, “Jen, what is it that we’re paying attention to?” We’re paying attention to present moment experience. Present moment experience unfolds in three primary ways: through sensations in the body, feelings in the heart or emotional body, and thoughts in the mind.
What is mindfulness? It’s a practice of paying attention to sensations, feelings, and thoughts in the present moment with an attitude of nonjudgment. And we’re practicing allowing this experience to unfold without trying to change it in any way, recognizing that wanting things to be other than they are is what causes a great deal of our suffering. Through practicing mindfulness, we’re choosing where our awareness rests instead of allowing our minds to be hijacked by runaway thoughts.
Try pausing for just 2 minutes today. Rest your attention on the breath, the coming and going of the inhale and exhale, the rise of the chest and belly with the inhale and the fall of the chest and belly with the exhale. Notice any dominant sensations, feelings or thoughts that arise, and see if you can relate with them from the perspective of an objective witness, just watching them with interest and compassion.
Jen Johnson is a mindfulness coach, teacher, and therapist teaching mindfulness and creativity for healing and resilience. Learn more about mindfulness coaching services.