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]

Thanks qld mouse and Mark for your helpful comments.

It seems that mindfulness works if there is a problem, being anxious, overwhelming, overthinking brain. I wonder if people use it who don't have a problem just as a way to focus.

Mark, I don't like sports or big crowds so that would never happen!

Qld mouse I like the idea of treating the brain like a new puppy that needs training.

Thanks again

Quirky

[MarkJT]

Quirky, even when i am in a really good place, I still love to just look at the stars, listen to music and things like that, i.e. mindfulness. It's like your diet also, if you only eat well when you are sick, you will get sick more often but when you are healthy and eating well, you can stave off illness better.

Mark.

[QldMouse]

Thanks Quirky,

Thanks Mark, we seem to agree both looking at stars and listening to music.

I've found thinking about my mind as a puppy works probably because I love animals and as strange as it may sound I've been noticeably more gentle with myself thinking cute fluffy thoughts. I was kinda harsh on me usually, getting better.

I think practicing the mindfulness meditation when I don't think I need it, ie not stressed, works as good practice, and is good training for when you do need it. I'm surprised how I'm dealing with stress now, I'm not short of the stuff (this year has truly been rubbish), but these techniques have kinda crept up on me and been helping a lot.

It did take the therapist I see to point that out of course (Doh!). She said I had developed great resilience and that she had had people in her office curled up in the fetal position trying to deal with less stress than I had. Interesting but inspiring comment eh?

The point is, it does seriously work. I did not think it would last year when I reluctantly started, but I'm hooked now.

Really hope it helps you as much as its helped me.

[MarkJT]

QLDMouse, yes i am a big fan of mindfulness as it has helped me a few times in a big way but helped me prevent attacks hundreds of times.

I agree with Quirky in that the idea of treating your brain like a puppy is a good one and if it works for you, then exploit the hell out of that!

I call mental energy "brain juice" and I know when i am low so therefore really susceptible to anxiety. It is those days that I practice mindfulness even harder than other days. Kind of preventative stuff.

Really happy that you have found it beneficial and are a fan of it now.

Mark.

[blondguy]

Hey everybody

There is so many great tips here I dont know where to start 🙂

MarkJT >>>>>> "I call mental energy "brain juice" and I know when i am low so therefore really susceptible to anxiety" Ditto here Mark...you have a true gift the way you understand anxiety/a tired mind.....such clarity

QldMouse made a great point above re therapist "She said I had developed great resilience and that she had had people in her office curled up in the fetal position trying to deal with less stress than I had" Inspirational comment....I wish I had your counselor Mouse....What a motivator!

Quirky I agree about QldMouse's treat the brain like a puppy too. Even though our brain feels overworked and fatigued this is a healthy way to find some inner peace 🙂

I hope everyone's day is going as well as possible..Paul 🙂

[quirkywords]

The thing I find amazing there are people around who don't worry, overthink or overplan they just do and they don't need mindfulness because they just don't.

I sometimes wish I could be like those people but then who would I be then- this probably relates to my thread as well but I wonder if I am alone with this thought.

Thanks Paul for your summary .

Quirky

[Babyboomer]

Hi Quirky. You aren't alone in thinking this. I figure these folk don't know how blessed they are to be free of anxiety and/or depression as many of us know it. Not to get the collywobbles (my word for anxiety) must be nice!

If I believed in reincarnation, I'd request to come back as collywobble free!

cheers

[QldMouse]

@Quirky no you are not alone. I wonder that regularly and then go out for therapy re comparing myself to others. Doh. Still working on that.

@Paul, your welcome. Yes she is a keeper all right. It is magic when you get a good therapist or whatever yours call themselves. I've been through a few.

@Babyboomer I LOVE collywobbles, can I borrow it please? Makes me wish I believed in reincarnation too!!

Be well and happy special friends. Thank you.

[quirkywords]

Baby boomer, I love the term collywobbles and have not heard it for years.

Qld Mouse, I like your posts. I compare myself to others and constantly try to deal with that.

This is a great thread.

There is so much talk about acceptance that I wonder should I accept I don't relax much , am not that great at mindfulness and that is just who I am?? Or doI keep trying and questioning and annoying people !!!

Quirky

[blondguy]

Hey everybody :-)....and MarkJT for his experience and knowledge on Mindfulness

Hi Babyboomer! Welcome and thanks for being a part of the 'Mindfulness...What is It' thread 🙂

I love the Collywobbles tag ....Ive had the collywobbles for 30+ years and they are a pain for sure.

I started this thread as I was taught how to 'ground' myself with anxiety attacks..which worked well along with a great GP and a counselor but I am trying to get a 'handle' on Mindfulness...thus the thread topic.

Great to have you as part of the Beyond Blue family Babyboomer 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul