Practicing Mindfulness means having self-awareness.
Through the attainment of this wisdom we can come to enjoy a state of inner well-being
The term Mindfulness is the English translation of the Indian word "Sati." We can transpose it into Italian using, "awareness, mental presence, mindful attention." The translation, however, fails to restore the richness of this term. Mindfulness refers to a well-rounded awareness; a mental state of attention in the present moment that, therefore, is free from thoughts that bring suffering.
The word Sati corresponds to a spiritual faculty, which is an essential part of Buddhist practice. This faculty can therefore be increased and improved through the practice of meditation called vipassana.
Achieving the state of well-being allows us to become mindful. During this process we must cease to be critical of ourselves and the reality around us. Mindfulness is, therefore, a way of paying attention to the present moment in an intentional and nonjudgmental way to resolve and prevent inner suffering. The ultimate goal is to achieve greater awareness of our psychic and emotional sphere.
Through Mindfulness each person can control and contain negative emotions, feelings and thoughts that can bring suffering.
What is Mindfulness?
The concept of Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist teachings, Zen and Yoga meditative practices.
In the late 1970s, this complex concept landed in the United States by biologist Jon Kabat-Zinn who created a Stress Reduction Program to be introduced into medical and psychotherapeutic disciplines.
His model achieved some success and was used in many hospital facilities of the time. By practicing the discipline of Mindfulness it was possible to improve one's psycho-physical condition, and it was immediately evident that meditative practice combined with a psycho-educational part brought great benefits.
Why practice it?
The mind is a powerful tool, if used in the right way it can help us achieve our goals. Disciplines such as Mindfulness, have always been used to regain and achieve mental and physical well-being.
Strengthening the mind means learning to deal with stress and feelings, which can overwhelm us at particularly difficult times.
The Mindfulness aims to learn to accept reality. That is, to recognize negative thoughts for what they are: products of the mind, which can be understood and controlled. Achieving self-awareness helps us to ensure that negativity does not affect our lives, even influencing behaviors and moments that should not give us negative feelings.
Through experience we learn to perceive the body and mind as one. By focusing on the breath and movement of the body, we can channel our attention toward listening to the sensations we feel, to become attuned to the present moment.
Therefore, Mindfulness can prove to be a useful tool through which to find inner balance.
What does the practice of Mindfulness consist of ?
Mindfulness is not a technique, but a mindful state of mind. A way to focus one's thoughts and emotions on the present so as to free our actions from automatic and habitual mechanisms.
In practice, a mindfulness meditation session starts by focusing one's mind on the physical state of the body. One focuses on oneself and the sensations our body sends us whether they are pleasant or unpleasant, strong or insignificant.
We then move on to observing the breath, to exploring daily and automatic gestures (such as walking, eating or driving a car) and then to consciously listening to the flow of thoughts and, finally, to all the sensations we get from stimuli that come from outside.
This is a path that needs training; if the mind gets distracted on thoughts, memories or projects, you focus so as to bring it back to alert listening to the body. Try for a moment to close your eyes and try to focus your attention exclusively on your breath. After a few moments numerous thoughts, images and sensations will come to your mind.
Results do not come immediately, but through constant practice over time.
The interesting aspect of Mindfulness is that it can be practiced anywhere and by anyone. It can be practiced sitting, lying down, walking or even eating or showering.
The important thing is to focus our attention on the moment: we gather around the nonjudgmental perception about our breath, our body, the inner sensations and emotions that connect us to the world.
The benefits of the Mindfulness
Scientific research in neuroscience has shown interest in the effects of practicing Mindfulness. There are empirical findings that support its effectiveness in both increasing well-being and reducing discomfort. Several benefits have been ascertained:
awareness of one's mental states;
the improvement of concentration and memory;
the reduction of stress;
the ability to be less reactive to stressful situations.
A path of Mindfulness can show us the way to deal with stress and negative moments differently, without feeling crushed and overwhelmed by events but in full control of our emotions. But the practice can also improve in positive moments, helping us to live them fully and enjoy to the fullest the feelings they convey.
