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

[tranzcrybe]

Hi Quirky,

Always glad to hear your detailed attention to my prattling!

I have a cousin who, while playing polo, had his horse fall on top of him during a game. Sadly, he suffered severe brain damage and I recalled in hospital that he was still 'holding' his mallet (of course it was no longer there) with a firm grip, close to his chest - it was the retention of his latest memory which had become 'frozen' at that moment.

Over time, and much rehabilitation, he reconfigured his brain to a semblance of normality - long since realising the mallet was no longer relevant to him, he could freely release his mind and grip with confidence to tackle the future without clinging to the past.

Of course, this is a physical brain injury and not emotional trauma, but in some ways it illuminates the principle.

I guess time is the key, and time heals (albeit not without leaving its scars).

Regards,

t.

[quirkywords]

I like walking not sure for mindfulness but for clearing my mind and thinking of things to write about.

[quirkywords]

I wonder if mindfulness can help with negative emotions on just on focusing and clearing the mind.

[smallwolf]

hi quirky.... I am no expert but what I can tell you is this - mindfulness comes in many forms and can be done both formally and informally. An informal way might be when you do the dishes and doing that activity mindfully. Something like ACT is more about learning and acceptance of thoughts as thoughts and living with these.

If there is one thing I have worked out from reading ... most of the morning activities could become mindful activities - from showering, making and eating breakfast, brush teeth. In the evening, making dinner, eating, cleaning up etc.

Time and patience.

Knowing it is OK if your mind wanders. And then bringing the mind back to the present moment. Of course, some methods might work better than others for each of us.and diagnosis we have. Hope that has not confused the issue.

[smallwolf]

Following my last post I wanted to see how well it would work....

About half way through my shower. I did acknowledge the thought and then my mind back to my shower. And then a few more times.

My point is that it is not always easy. And having a wandering mind is ok. if you bring focus back to the present.

And perhaps rather than saying I failed ...

I did it and I will do it again tomorrow.

Remembering the story of the sheep in the paddock.

[Guest_1643]

hey tim

i agree it's not easy

i can only manage it for short spurts of mindful activity/awareness

some of the meditations do even talk about your mind wandering and how that's fine and okay and to just gently go back to the excercise. i think it's all part of it and okay

i also sometimes think "wow i did really well today at meditating" or "i did really bad - it's not workng at all today" - but then remind myself it's nt on a scale

[smallwolf]

I have been doing some study regarding mindfulness. Some notes I made

Practice isn’t easy. It is in the nature of the mind to wander. Each time you notice your mind has wandered, it’s not a problem. Congratulate yourself because you’re already back on track. If your mind wanders a thousand times, you simply bring it back a thousand times.

All you can do is practice to the best of your ability and do not compare yourself with anyone else or where you think you should be. Just be where you are, and let that be enough.

[quirkywords]

Thanks smallwolf,

I think I don’t have the patience to bring my mind back a thousand times but I am aware after a while , and after a few times I would try again another time.

As I have written before doing something and concentrating on that whether it be walking, mopping, sorting out books may not be mindfulness but helps me more than sitting in a chair try to focus on my breathing. I think we find what helps us.

Thanks smallwolf for your patient explanations.

[smallwolf]

hi quirky - you mentioned

sorting out books

this could be made into a mindful practice / exercise and would then be seen as an informal exercise. That does not invalidate it a mindful practice - it is just a way of categorising it. Say, if someone said that is not a mindful exercise, you can say that it is.

So how would you turn sorting into a mindful exercise?

Use your eyes to look at the book, how does it smell, is it old or new etc.You might think about the prev. owner, or or far it might be travelled to get to you. You might ruffle the pages, or listen to the sound of the turning a page.

So if a breathing exercise does not work well for you... do what does! And walking, mopping and sorting book can become mindful practices.

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone!..and Quirky...Tim...tranzcrybe...Sleepy21...Annie1 for the super helpful contributions re 'mindfulness'

Hey tranzcrybe .....Its excellent to have your input and life experience on the forums. More importantly...I am sorry about your cousin t.

I grow weary of health professionals asking 'have you tried mindfulness?' to a person with anxiety/depression....especially when the person suffering has no idea what the HP is talking about.

Hey Tim....Quirky...thankyou

have a good week amazing people 🙂

Paul