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

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone! New members are encouraged to post their thoughts too 🙂

• I have struggled with the term mindfulness as my counsellors never mentioned it with my anxiety
• If anyone doesnt understand 'mindfulness' you are not alone..I hope you can post and help out
• If you have had success with 'Mindfulness' please help us help others and let us know!

I hope everyone has a peaceful new year in 2020

my kind thoughts

Paul

[quirkywords]

hello everyone, this is a great thread where you can share and ask questions.

I keep turning to mindfulness especially now when I am struggling to achieve some peace and that is ok because of what I have experienced.

The lack of sleep is worse than ever so I hope some quiet mindfulness will help. No luck but I keep trying.

What do others do when mindfulness is challenging.

[Guest_4643]

Hi everybody. I just saw this thread, my apologies.

I've heard of Mindfulness before, but I don't understand it 100%. Can someone please explain it to me & give me some suggestions? I could look stuff up on Google though.

Nice thread though. Sorry for interrupting it & being stupid for not knowing about it. I was going to read through everything but wow there's so many comments! But that's a good thing.

Tayla

[Gambit87]

IMO - Mindfullness is living in the present moment. A real time, play by play of thoughts, feelings, what your senses are picking up and what you can see around you etc.

Like when you go for a walk and you make note of the breeze in your face, the smells you smell, the sights you see youre actively using mindfullness.

Ive been meditating for 10-20 minutes a day for about 2 weeks now and ive noticed its really helping me relax, stay calm and have a more open mind when im going about my day.

[Guest_4643]

Hey again Gambit87.

Interesting. So for example, here's some suggestions, do you think these would count as Mindfulness?:

• Colouring in - taking your time to choose out the colours, focusing on how the colours go together, & how relaxing it can be.
• Showering - the feeling of the water on your body, smelling the soap or shower gel & relaxing under the water, or the steam of the shower?
• Listening to music - taking in the instruments, lyrics, the singers' voice, just paying attention to it.

Would they count? Sorry that they're stupid ideas. I've seen a few Mindfulness Colouring Books though, even ones you can take with you if you go somewhere. I have a few colouring books, sometimes its relaxing for me. Same with playing Happy Colour, a free Colour By Numbers app on my iPad.

Or even walking, taking in your surroundings, the smells, stuff like that? For example if it's been raining, the smell of Eucalyptus? (I love that smell).

Tayla

[Heyyou]

I lost my husband 4 years ago to cancer and I struggle being alone

[Gambit87]

Hi Tayla!

Your examples are not stupid ideas at all. All of the examples you have mentioned count (in my opinion) as mindfulness.

I love the smell of eucalyptus after it rains too!

[quirkywords]

Heyyou

I am sorry that you are struggling being alone.

Were you thinking mindfulness may help you in some way.

Everyone grieves in there own way and their own time.

Tayla I like your list , thanks.

This is a thread where we can help each other.

Some thing may work for one person but not another.

Quirky

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone! New members are always welcome to post too

Hey Quirky.....my admiration and respect for the heartfelt support you provide to so many on the forums

Quirky mentioned.." I keep turning to mindfulness especially now when I am struggling to achieve some peace and that is ok because of what I have experienced" You are very strong by continually supporting others after what you have been through with these awful wildfires...Kudos and hugs

Hey Tayla.....Thankyou for the great post....I wrote this thread ages ago as I had difficulty understanding mindfulness...and am still learning!

Hey Gambit....always great to read your posts and thankyou for being a part of the discussion too!

Gambit mentioned "Mindfulness is living in the present moment. A real time, play by play of thoughts, feelings, what your senses are picking up and what you can see around you"

Gambit.....It would be a bonus if you could help us with how you actually meditate...I wrote this thread topic a long time ago and if you wish to share your meditation techniques it would be really excellent 🙂

Happy Friday everyone and thankyou for being a part of the Beyond Blue family too!

Paul

[blondguy]

Hello Heyyou

my condolences on the tragic loss of your husband....

I hope you can reach out to us even if you wish to create your own thread topic....If you have any questions please just sing out....There are many gentle people on the forums that can be here for you

you are not alone

We are here...and listening

Paul