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

[quirkywords]

Mark thanks for your helpful advice.

I am not sure how to download an app onto my i pad but I will try.

I like the idea of gently getting back on focus and not berating oneself.

This is a great thread and I would encourage people to ask any questions. Thanks Paul.

I am still struggling to stop overthinking and churning my brain. I keep trying and slow breathing.

Quirky

[blondguy]

Hey Quirky 🙂

Thankyou for posting so well (again)!

Quirky mentioned "I like the idea of gently getting back on focus and not berating oneself"

You are a legend Quirky and thankyou heaps for being such a positive influence on the forums too 🙂

I really do understand the overthinking process...Its a major pain to deal with. You are doing well

My kindest for you

Paul

[MarkJT]

Quirky, Google "how to download an app onto ipad" - that will give you info on how to do it.

Yes the not bashing yourself is just so critical. Clearly you cannot remain calm if you are getting angry so being very gentle on yourself and bringing your attention and concentration back will help you.

It takes time and practise, just like anything else you want to get good at doing.

I had my first nightmare last night for a long time and i am racking my brain as to why this happened. Short answer is, i don't know but my mind is racing looking for the answer. I haven't had much success as yet in slowing it down, so be it - it is what it is and I will continue to try and not get pissed off with myself.

Mark.

[blondguy]

Hello everybody

MarkJT......I think your attitude is the bees knees.

MarkJT mentioned "I haven't had much success as yet in slowing it down, so be it - it is what it is and I will continue to try and not get pissed off with myself"

I love this as when a mind is racing it can only go in one direction....back to its usual pace. Adrenaline or whatever the catalyst has been for the racing mind is a temporary issue and cant be sustained. I hear you about the occasional nightmare though. I used to get heaps of them when I was trying to get access to my daughter in 1996 in the family court

Thanks MarkJT

Paul

[MarkJT]

Interesting last week or so with some work issues causing some grief.

before work, have been going for a run, stretching to music and then using Smiling Mind but really struggling to keep the brain focused.

Heavily enacting the "not getting pissed off with myself" clause!!!

Mark

[CMF]

I found little book in Kmart called 'The little book of mindfulness' by Tiddy Rowan. Seeing as many of us can struggle with mindfulness i wanted share something i read in it;

'Mindfulness has to be experienced, rather than described. The best way in - like any endeavour- is just to start. Simply start by being aware of your next three breaths.'

cmf

[MarkJT]

"Mindfulness has to be experienced, rather than described".

Brilliant.

I have to say that it is excessively difficult, perhaps impossible to properly describe and something you have to experience before actually knowing what it is.

It is akin to the horrible feeling i had in my chest when i lost my self worth, cannot describe how bad it was but conversely I cannot describe properly how good i felt after my first actual experience with mindfulness.

Great post CMF.

[CMF]

Thanks Mark,

i love this point you made;

'It is akin to the horrible feeling i had in my chest when i lost my self worth, cannot describe how bad it was but conversely I cannot describe properly how good i felt after my first actual experience with mindfulness.'

Hit the nail on the head, just as we need to experience mindfulness to know what it is we need to experience mental health issues to know what they are like. These things that we cannot 'see' or 'touch' are certainly difficulty to comprehend.

[CMF]

Mindful. Not mind full. 🙂

[blondguy]

Hey nice people 🙂 (and welcome to anyone new that wants to ask or say anything too!)

CMF....You keep striking GOLD on this topic of 'Mindfulness'...seriously well done!

CMF mentioned "I found little book in Kmart called 'The little book of mindfulness' by Tiddy Rowan" I am going to get that book!

I have learned a lot from your posts including "Mindful. Not mind full" I am learning so much on this thread....I have never looked at the basic phrasing of Mindful.....not mind full. The difference is huge CMF.....Nice1!

MarkJT...Thankyou for being the super coach you are....I also remember that same awful feeling in chest when my self worth flew out the window.....I am doing my best to learn from your knowledge on Mindfulness...

Paul