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

[SandraC87]

To me, mindfulness is presence and stillness. Not quietness or nothingness - stillness. It's becoming the eye of the storm instead of being swept up in it. I have periods in my life where I am able to be mindful - it's a beautiful thing. Being present and on-board with everything happening around you and in your life is a great feeling. I know what it's like to hold on to mindfulness and keep it - but once I lose it I can never just summon it again. At the moment my life is feeling very out of control and I find myself completely unable to achieve any level of mindfulness.

[quirkywords]

Hello to everyone reading this interesting exchange of ideas

Sandra,

Thanks for your contribution. I like the definition of mindfulness as presence and stillness.

I am sorry you feel your life now is out of control and that achieving any level of mindfulness is out of your reach .

i am not at a perfectionist and I may have never attained the level of mindfulness that you and mention here and have experienced.

Maybe forgetting about the mindfulness you have experienced before and just try something that helps the stillness and presence return, Some calming music,a walk in nature, reading.

Thnaks so much for sharing your thoughts .

Quirky

[Moonstruck]

You're a champion BlondGuy. x

[blondguy]

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

Hello SandraC87....Welcome and thankyou for the great post too! I felt your pain when you mentioned your life is feeling out of control....That is an awful and dark place to be in for sure...I understand where you are coming from. Mindfulness can take a vacation as you mentioned Sandra when we are doing it hard..You are spot on

SandraC87 mentioned "It's becoming the eye of the storm instead of being swept up in it" This is excellent and ty!

Hey Quirky....thankyou for the super helpful post!

Quirky mentioned "Maybe forgetting about the mindfulness you have experienced before and just try something that helps the stillness and presence return" You are spot on Quirky as I feel that 'mindfulness' can be over rated especially when we are going through a 'dark' period in our lives. Realistic and supportive post Quirky:-)

Hey Moon....You have just made my day 🙂 and thankyou so much! I used to be one yet there are others that think otherwise unfortunately. I originally signed up to help people doing it hard and will continue doing so. Thankyou for being such a legend on the forums and providing the excellent support you do Moon....including keeping threads on topic as well as you do! (Bear Hugs) x

Update on my own 'Mindfulness' mindset....Its very basic yet besides landscaping my yard I find it incredibly peaceful planting a plant......My mind is devoid of overthinking or negative input whilst doing so....

my kindest always

Paul

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone 🙂

Hey Moon and all.....If you could substitute 'Mindfulness' with another word.....what would you choose?

All opinions are welcome

kindest always

Paul

[quirkywords]

Paul,

hat is a great question and wish I had a great answer.

For me it is stillness and concentration. three words.

Quirky

[Ggrand]

Hello Paul and everyone..

I think I would substitute “mindfulness”...with “awareness “

I hope everyone has a great day..full of light, peace, happiness and love....

Grandy....

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Paul,

If I could substitute a word, it would be 'witnessing' - as for me, when I am being mindful, I am really trying to just observe my thoughts and let them pass with out attaching any emotion, feeling or memory to them and just 'witness' them and allowing the thoughts to continue moving freely.

Nurse Jenn

[Moonstruck]

Paul and Grandy....yes the closest one I can come to...is probably "awareness" or perhaps "connection"?

[blondguy]

Hi everyone! New members posts are always welcome too 🙂

Hey Quirky....thankyou heaps for your help...'stillness and concentration' You have made a great point with stillness...just for me I find that 'concentration' involves 'trying'. I know where you are coming from though Quirky..Good1

Hey Grandy.....Its always a treat to read your posts and thankyou for helping out too 🙂 Do you find awareness helpful when you are anxious or going through a rough time? It sounds like a helpful state of mind especially if we are trying to 'ground ourselves' and not focus on our anxious thoughts. Thanks again Grandy!

Hey Nurse Jenn....Thankyou for your experience and contribution....After I read your post yesterday...I found myself thinking about 'Witnessing'...as in standing back from our 'thoughts' a tad thus reducing any immediate impact they may have on our well being....A classic example of being 'gentle' to ourselves as Dr Claire Weekes mentioned in her self help books. An excellent and clear example of providing ourselves with 'clarity' so we can find a detour through the fog of an oversensitised mindset

Nurse Jenn mentioned " when I am being mindful, I am really trying to just observe my thoughts and let them pass with out attaching any emotion, feeling or memory to them and just 'witness' them and allowing the thoughts to continue moving freely" This fits like a glove...:-)

Hey Moon...always great to see and read your life experience and thankyou! When you mention 'awareness' do you mean to 'stay in the moment'? After I used to have chronic anxiety (just for me that is) I would find being 'aware' somewhat 'overstimulating' which would be counter productive to my leftover anxiety feelings. Or do you mean 'grounding ourselves' in the moment?

you are all amazing people 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul