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]

Hello everyone,

I have signed up for a free online mindfulness course run by a respected Australian University.

I was wondering has anyone else done or contemplated such a course and if so how did you find it. It is 6 weeks.

Paul, I hope this is ok, and not to far off topic. After seeing the ABC program I was very keen to try again to see if a more structured approach to mindfulness would help me.

Quirky

[Ggrand]

Hello Quirky and all,

Congratulations and so very well done signing up for a Mindfulness course...I read a lot about Mindfulness because it’s something I think is so very important to our mh to practise daily....

I love the calm, peaceful feeling that envelopes me whenever I am able to do it properly, it gives our mind a rest as well as releases the tension in our bodies when anxiety takes a hold...and we can get so peaceful and calm enough to fall asleep while doing it...haha I have...

I hope that the course is something that you will benefit greatly from...I’m certain it will be...I also wish you all the best and I hope you enjoy some Mindfulness on your new journey towards your wellness...Well done in taking this step forward...

Grandy..

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone and thank-you heaps for all the great posts too 🙂

Hey Grandy!.......Always a treat to read your posts and thankyou! Great post too!

Grandy mentioned "it gives our mind a rest as well as releases the tension in our bodies when anxiety takes a hold...and we can get so peaceful and calm enough to fall asleep while doing it...haha I have..." Nice1 Grandy 🙂

Hey Quirky.....Of course it okay! Can you please mention the name or link of the ABC program that you found helpful? and the details about the course from the University that you also found helpful? A free course on Mindfulness sounds like a terrific idea 🙂

kindest always

Paul

[RockToReef]

I guess there are many ways to do it but what I found helpful even this morning is I took a walk and took a notepad and pen and sat by the waters edge and wrote out what was around me including all things I could hear, (like different bird calls, soft conversations from people also going on walks, the waves gently rolling in, the boats bobbing around in the bay, the wind as it cuts through some of the sail boats), all the things I could see (the clouds and the colours of the sky, my body sitting on the sand, the bees foraging); all the things I could feel (the breeze as it goes through my face, the sand in my toes, my clothes against my skins, the water)

I find physically writing it down instantly calms me down and puts me in the moment.

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone!...New members/readers are very welcome to post too 🙂

Hey RockToReef

Thank-you for being a part of the discussion (and for the support you have been providing on the forums too!)

I wrote this thread as there are many people including myself that are trying to grasp the meaning of 'Mindfulness'. You have taken the time to write an excellent reply that is a new and realistic understanding of this (for me) confusing term. Just for myself I become weary of some health professionals using MF as a simple term that the bulk of people understand when they really have little or no understanding of the meaning

RockToReef mentioned..."I find physically writing it down instantly calms me down and puts me in the moment"

This is a great idea....I will be giving it a go!

Fantastic post RockToReef......Nice1

my kind thoughts

Paul

[quirkywords]

Hello everyone ,

Sorry Paul that I have taken this time to get back .

I am on week one of my 6 week free online course.

One thing I remember was not to focus on the what ifs, but to focus on the what is.

We often think what if this happens, what if I forget this, what if I make mistakes, etc instead of focusing on what really is and focus on that.

Also trying to eliminate as many distractions as possible.

Also a 2 minute mindfulness exercise called the Comma, so it short and you can do it during the day when you like, basically sitting and focus on body then breath, 2mins. It is worth a try.

Quirky

[quirkywords]

Hello everyone

i was speaking to a friend about the online course in mindfulness and she said why is it called mindfulness when her mind is already full somwhy would she want it fuller?

I knew what she meant but you could not call it mindlessness. I think it is about being mindful , like being aware and not having a full mind. I think she was half serious but is interesting how a name can turn someone off .

Week 2 and still trying. we are learning to be curious about our breathing. Am anaturally curious person about many things but never about my breathing but am giving it a go.

i wonder if others have tried a mindfulness course and how they found it.

When I read feedback comments most people seem to be getting so much more out of the course than me, and yes don’t compare.

I will keep,on keeping on.

Quirky

[Guest_2496]

Hi Quirky

Yes that is funny about names / labels...

So you do the online course once a week, and then do you practice what you've learnt daily?

I've never done a course but I meditate daily. Sometimes I listen to a guided online meditation, other times I use apps like Headspace, and other times I just sit and breathe (and yes that does sound silly ha ha)

annie

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone...New members are always welcome to post too 🙂

Hey Quirky....no worries at all...I havent been on the air a lot either...Always great to have your support! Can you please mention the name or link of the ABC program that you found helpful? and the details about the course from the University that you also found helpful? A free course on Mindfulness sounds like a terrific idea

Is 'Comma' the name of the course?

Hey Annie..its always a bonus to read your posts! I am rapt that Quirky is getting a 'handle' on mindfulness which is great..Just for myself I find the term also represents 'overthinking' so I am doing my best to understand

my kind thoughts and appreciation

Paul

[quirkywords]

paul

The program was in Catlyst a few weeks ago, sorry don’t know the exact day .

The program is through Monash uni if you type in free on line course mindfulness Monash you should find it.

Comma is just the word for a two minute mindfulness exercise.

i am not sure when the next course tarts there are lots of articles and videos.

i am trying to be positive but it does not come easy to me.

Quirky

C