By Jeri Bonine-Burton
Jbonineburton@lc.edu
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is one of THE SIMPLEST THINGS. It’s the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it’s more readily available to us when we practice on a daily basis. This means YOU!
Whenever you bring awareness to what you’re directly experiencing via your senses, or to your state of mind via your thoughts and emotions, you’re being mindful.
And there’s growing research showing that when you train your brain to be mindful, you’re actually remodeling the physical structure of your brain.
Trust Me! It works!
The goal of mindfulness is to become aware of the inner workings of your mental, emotional, and physical processes. Got it? Meditation works wonderfully here.
What is meditation?
Meditation is inviting new opportunities to open your heart and mind. It’s not a fixed destination. Your head doesn’t become erased free of thought, or undistracted. It’s a very special place where each and every moment is momentous. When we meditate we venture into the workings of our minds: our sensations (air blowing on our skin or a harsh smell wafting into the room), our emotions (love this, hate that, crave this, excited about that), and thoughts (wouldn’t it be weird to see an elephant playing trumpet).
Mindfulness meditation asks us to put judgment on the back burner, and open the part of the mind and body, where it can unleash our natural curiosity about the workings of the mind, being present in the moment with our experiences with warmth and kindness, to ourselves and others.
How do I practice mindfulness and meditation?
Mindfulness is within each of us, open to you in each moment of your life, whether through meditations and body scans, or a mindful moment practice; like taking time to pause and breathe when the phone rings instead of rushing to answer it. Take the time to soak up the beautiful surroundings that GOD has GIVEN YOU.
Mindfulness Monday. Incorporate these practices in your life. Research shows it increases joy and satisfaction. Don’t wait. try today.
Infographic by @destressmonday #HUCS #HU #Mentalhealth #MindfulnessMonday pic.twitter.com/KB0BQUYqjq
— Howard University Counseling Service (@HUCounseling) February 14, 2022
