JonW wrote:Ann (BronteFan) raises some excellent points about how to fold mindfulness into our everyday lives.
And it is sometimes useful to remind ourselves what mindfulness is really about.
Teacher/writer Christina Feldman defines mindfulness as, ‘the willingness and capacity to be equally present with all events and experiences with discernment, curiosity and kindness.’
Simply put, mindfulness is about awareness. The capacity to be with your experience, non-judgmentally, as it unfolds.
Mindfulness enables us to be present in our own lives. It offers a healthy alternative to living our lives ‘inside our heads’, forever at the mercy of our thoughts.
When we are being mindful, we are paying attention in the present moment to things as they are rather than losing ourselves in thoughts about how we would prefer things to be.
By consciously directing our attention to our present moment experience, we become grounded. If we are aware in the moment, we are able to choose how to respond adroitly to our situation rather than react unconsciously.
Thus, decisions are more likely to be made from a place of relative calm than from a state of deep worry or blind panic.
As we develop a more open, more intimate way of relating to body sensations, thoughts and feelings, we wake up to our experience rather than sleepwalking our way through our lives. We begin living without the weight of anxiety, depression, self-doubt, self-criticism, low self-esteem and social awkwardness.
We stop feeling overwhelmed by thoughts, feelings and body sensations. We can begin living with some peace of mind, comfortable in our own bodies, no longer feeling separate and isolated in the world. Whatever is happening in our lives at any moment, we can approach our situation with equanimity and serenity.
Jon
Thank you very much. I'm very sorry for the late response. I felt that I owed you a response a bit since but I've been avoiding this thread not because I'm ignoring Craig because I'm not but because I can relate with what he's going through as I went through something similar & I feel for Craig & understand what he must feel like because what he's going through is horrible & I'd have gushed if I said something earlier. I felt like that too. I went from loving my job to feeling like every work-day was a battle too. In my case it was caused by bullying & harassment in the work-place.
I'm very sorry to Craig for telling a bit of my story especially when I know he's going through a lot & doesn't really need it & I really want to help him.
I agree with everything you have to say & would like to thank you very much for the extra information.
