Why Everyday?

[Gareth]

This is the next article that I have written: why everyday? In this article, I want to convey just how normal mindfulness is and how it can be applicable to any human being, regardless of who they are or what they believe. I realise that these articles are extremely short, but that is the kinda look I am going for. Mindfulness is a painfully simple idea, why weigh it down with any unnecessary baggage? Here is the first draft anyway:

Why Everyday?

Because mindfulness is normal; it is not something limited to Buddhists, mystics, academics or psychologists. This is a simple process that any human being can undertake. Mindfulness is not always an easy thing to do, particularly if you have never experienced anything like this before or if you are going through instense pain or strong emotions. But the techniques required to cultivate greater mindfulness are incredibly simple and are available to any human being free of charge. As time progresses, mindfulness becomes easier and easier to develop and being in the present moment becomes as much of a habit as our normal state of distractedness.

Let me know what you think.

[JonW]

Well put, Gareth.
As Pema Chodron writes in her excellent book When Things Fall Apart, "We don't sit in meditation to become good meditators. We sit in meditation so we'll be more awake in our lives."

[BioSattva]

It's great Gareth - it has a nice freshness to it.

The only change I would suggest is adding the following:

Because mindfulness is normal; it is not something 'special' limited to Buddhists, mystics, academics or psychologists.

With or without inverted commas. For some people academics or Buddhism is "normal". I don't think we can assume that mystics, psychologists, etc., are obviously considered beyond normal to the reader...

[Gareth]

Maybe this one is a bit short, but I've added it today with the change that Bio suggested. But maybe it should be so short, I've put this topic out on Twitter, and it has been viewed many times without anybody suggesting alterations.