POLL: Why do you practice mindfulness?

[BioSattva]

Of course there can be a variety of reasons and benefits, but what would you say is your main motivating factor?

Answers are anonymous and you can change your answer at any time.

If you need any clarity on the categories I have presented, let's discuss it below. Hopefully they are clear and straight-forward enough.

I feel that what I have received from my mindfulness practice (and haven't! )over time has been based on my motivations for practice.

[Gareth]

Nice topic. I thought there must be a way of doing polls, but I hadn't had the time to figure it out.

I voted for physical health because that was the reason that I started meditating in the first place. As my practice has grown, then I would probably say that my reason for meditating now is acceptance, because that really encompasses everything else. True acceptance of my current situation has brought about a level of peacefulness in my life that I would have never have even thought to be possible. I still have MS with all the difficulties that brings, but I can honestly say that it is something that I barely think about any more.

**EDIT**
In fact I have changed my vote , because acceptance is the reason that I am meditating right now.

[BioSattva]

Ha, indeed, ultimately it seems there is no other reason. When I chose the acceptance answer I could feel my mind 'gulp' - I think 'I' would have preferred the next one up. Oh well, it seems like my formal meditations are going to (have to) be more focused from now on...

[rara]

I so can't answer this haha. All of them equally! If it wasn't, there would be an imbalance in my life :p

[BioSattva]

Too clever!

[JonW]

I ticked the "what is" option but that's not the reason I came to mindfulness in the first place. It changes, as everything does.

[BioSattva]

Yes - the poll is for mindfulness now of course ... as it always is

I think I started practicing as a hobby of sorts... plus a lot of curiosity.

[larorra]

I, like Gareth changed my vote,, I would say I first started out of curiosity but now its total acceptance of whats going on in my life right now, in a job that I don't like but can't change what I'm doing (at present anyway) so I accept that. I accept my health issues, arthritis and raynaurds, it could be so much worse, and I accept that I'll never be rich materially that is I AM rich in what really matters, family and friends. Life is good.

[JonW]

That's so beautifully put, Jackie. A wonderful testament to the benefits of mindfulness.
It's now six months since I started the adventure. I'd say that the low-lying depression and anxiety I've felt for most of my life has been replaced by a low-lying sense of comfort/joy.
It's a gift that goes on giving, to be sure.
All good things, Jon

[Steve]

I started for general relaxation but as I've learnt more its grown broader so I've voted for total acceptance - I don't think I have got there yet but am on the journey.

Steve