Mindfulness: What Is It? (Even if you dont know please post so we can help grow the forums accordingly)

[blondguy]

Hi Everybody

This is only the basic dictionary definition...

"Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment without judgement"

• Please be as blunt you wish....If you dont have an idea about mindfulness it would be great if you could let us know
• If mindfulness hasnt worked/or is too broad a concept for you it would great if you can let us know your thoughts too
• If mindfulness has helped you, please help others to help themselves by posting how you have embraced this mindset

It goes without saying that the forums are a judgement free zone and I really hope that everyone can jump in and have their say

Your input is highly valued no matter how you respond to this topic. There are no experts here...New Posters are Most Welcome!!

My Kindest Thoughts

Paul

[Just Sara]

Hi and welcome Sandra!

It's wonderful to see another articulate and intelligent person joining our caring community.

I hope you (and others) don't mind, but I beg to differ about global issues not being relevant on BB. I hear and read nearly every day from people worrying about what's happening in the world. It's very common among young people especially.

Talking about such things is encouraging discussion which this site 'is' for. Personally, I avoid news and current affairs media like TV, newspapers or radio for self protection. I do hear it from others, but only engage if it's something of interest. I do have opinions, but it can trigger at times which is an important aspect for anyone suffering a MI or disorder.

In fact, the issues you describe are very relevant to mindfulness. Yes, we all count as part of the global population, but we also exist as single entities. Where our mind wanders, is where we exist in the moment. Focus on events around the world can be a form or avoidance or escape from present circumstances of the individual; and yes, even addictive.

My mum's skilled at trying to get me to agree with her opinions about all sorts of problems and tragedies going on locally and in other parts of the country or world. When I talk about the positives of my life or hers, she avoids or berates me for being ignorant.

Mrs D's suggestion of starting your own thread dedicated to your views was a great idea. I for one would love to engage as I'm sure many would.

Paul; I'm loving your longer than usual posts hun! Great insight and a nice read. 🙂

Star; I reiterate everything Paul says about your contributions. As Paul says; "You're a legend!"

Have an enjoyable day everyone!

Sara x

[highlysensitivepersonhsp]

Thanks for the heart felt support Sara, but I must exercise sound and prudent judgement. I make this judgement knowing what I know about my own criticisms of the world and life as we know it. I certainly don't want to be a trigger for those seeking help from the BB site. To reiterate, there is no place for critical analysis here on this forum and I think that is wise. Such discourse does not fit any of the forum categories. As an example of my biting critique I would write about the world being on a road to nowhere and why we are pissing against the wall as far as making meaningful change is concerned. That's enough to fuel the anxieties of any depressive. I hope you understand and share my concerns.

Sandra

[quirkywords]

Sandra

Maybe I am missing something here but no one would be forced to read a thread a thread that would make them anxious or upset them.

Surely people would not choose a thread that would upset them.

That is just my opinion. I can understand your concerns but already there are many threads here that would have the potential to upset people.

Sara

Great to see your post here again.

Quirky

[Doolhof]

Hi Sandra and All,

Some people with mental health issues may be very sensitive to what is happening around them in this world of us, others may be so totally consumed by darkness they have no idea what is occurring outside of their own home.

I realise this thread is about mindfulness, and not about the issues of the world, maybe they do go hand in hand though as some people have mentioned.

If someone is bold enough to start a thread relating to dealing with world events when struggling with issues of depression and mental health, people could chose as also mentioned if they would like to read that thread or engage in it.

The Moderators, Christopher and Sophie from the BB Team are very good at helping us all keep on track. If something was deemed inappropriate, it would be pointed out and advice given on how to proceed supportively to other users of the forum.

Being aware of others feelings is all part of this forum I feel.

Those are my thoughts anyway.

Cheers all from Mrs. D.

[highlysensitivepersonhsp]

Hi Quirky.

My final word on the matter is to refer you to the community rules. The forum is self governing which means we all have a responsibility to follow those rules. The rule I wish to follow is that we should not post content believed to be damaging, unhelpful, or distressing.

Many of our forum members are just not in a mental space where they can safely deal with a discussion about the reasons the world is the way it is and how that has led them here. In my view it's very confronting and distressing which may exacerbate their condition.

I think the focus should be on what is helpful and that means that which promotes wellbeing.

Thanks for your interest.

Sandra

[quirkywords]

Sandra

Point taken.

Thanks for your patience with me.

Quirky

[demonblaster]

Hi all 🙂 Another great thread Blond thx

Starwolf; I think & thankyou that you suggested this thread & finally got to it, will read more in time.

I hadn't heard of mindfulness till here it's making a lot of sense, sounds similar to grounding that I heard about for anxiety to focus on things around but more specific with 5 of our senses, involving touch, look, feel etc, don't know a lot about it yet but makes sense too.

There's a lot of pleasure around us & many are so busy as a poster said earlier here we don't see a lot.

I like the part looking from a distance without judgement. I believe we can learn to control our emotions, depression & so many other issues by learning how to find & overcome the causes.
As a poster said earlier I too will read the meaning of it a few times to sink in.

Definately keen to read more posts and info here on this.

Thanks again Blond 🙂

[Sophie_M]

Hi everyone, we do have a thread on world events already:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/are-we-really-on-the-brink-of-ww3

[quirkywords]

Sophie

Thanks for explaining that but I am now confused about the community rules Sandra was talking about.

I will have a look at the thread.

Thanks again

Quirky

[blondguy]

Thanks Sophie. Ive been racking my brain for the name of that thread on world events

Sandra, thanks for the great post and your wisdom/insight

Sandra mentioned:I think the focus should be on what is helpful and that means that which promotes wellbeing

Demonblaster....thankyou so much for the inspirational (and kind) post. Im still learning too as I have had years of excellent counseling that has used 'grounding' as way to stay in the present without our mind shooting off in unwanted directions.

Sara....Great to have your life experience on here...Thankyou for the kind feedback too

Quirky..thankyou too. There are a huge number of people that choose not to post on this thread even with zero knowledge on Mindfulness. My knowledge is limited on this subject as well but its great to have you on here so we can discuss the topic openly. Ive been around a while but I have never met an expert on anything in my life 🙂

As per Sophie_M link...The thread is called 'Are we really on the brink of WW3' Its been around for a while now

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/are-we-really-on-the-brink-of-ww3

Have a great day everybody 🙂 Paul