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

[Moonstruck]

I find my most rewarding experiences of mindfulness occur when I just "go with it"...rather than saying to myself "OK I am going to do some mindfulness now!"..if something beautiful takes my attention, rather than moving swiftly onto the next thought, then the next, then the next...I take another moment to really "see it" and this can last as long as I want it to!!

yesterday on the oceanfront waiting for my hairdresser appointment I was looking along the beach and saw a man and his dog some distance away...nothing unusual you say? Of course not. But I watched.

The dog was wrestling with a big stick about 3 times his size, gleefully running about then setting it down waiting eagerly for his owner to throw it for him. Of course he did so and off the dog would run again...they played their wonderful game over and over and were a perfect picture of joy and happiness....both enjoying the moment...and unbeknown to them....allowing me to experience some instant joy just being mindful of them.....

I wonder how many others saw them...without really "seeing" them. This is mindfulness to me....

[quirkywords]

Moon

I like your descriptions in your post and I think when I just go with it, it is easier but I feel my mind has to be unaware it is relaxed.

Once I start to overthink it is wrecked.

Quirky

[blondguy]

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

Hey Moon...thankyou for your helpful post in this discussion.....You mentioned "I find my most rewarding experiences of mindfulness occur when I just "go with it"...rather than saying to myself "OK I am going to do some mindfulness now!"

Hey Quirky.....Thank you for your life experience.....You made a great point when you mentioned " I feel my mind has to be unaware it is relaxed"

How would anyone feel if a counselor (psychologist etc) mentioned " Exercise/try mindfulness" without elaborating during a stressful time in your lives?

my kindest always

Paul

[quirkywords]

Hello everyone,

Yesterday I spent the day fasting and reflecting for spiritual reasons.

I found without the distractions of normal everyday life I could focus on

my thoughts and reading. It was a long day and I felt tired and hungry at times .

I really felt I had self control and could think clearly which as you know does not come easy to me!

Back to reality I hope I have the confidence to know I can focus at times and be in the moment and not always be distracted by the slightest thing or thought.

Quirky

[sparrowhawk]

Hi all. Quirky, I'm glad you had such a peaceful mindful experience.

Yesterday I went back to my GP. We were talking about triggers and negative thoughts and she gave me a really good distraction technique called "The Rule of Five". She told me that whenever I am triggered or start thinking badly about myself, to become aware of where I am at that moment and think of:

5 things I can see around me
4 things I can hear around me
3 things I can touch around me
2 things I can smell around me
1 thing I can taste

I tried it and it was very helpful.

[quirkywords]

Greetings all

Sparrowhawk I am glad your doctor mentioned the rule of five as I find it very handy in many situations.

Even when I am ok on a walk I use it to enjoy my walk more.

Quirky

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone! New members are always welcome to post their thoughts on mindfulness too 🙂

Hey Quirky....Thankyou for outlining mindfulness as well as you did when you mentioned "I hope I have the confidence to know I can focus at times and be in the moment and not always be distracted by the slightest thing or thought" Just my very humble opinion Quirky....You are spot on with your post....I too am doing my best to stay in the moment without being distracted...Nice1

Hey Sparrowhawk....Thankyou for the great post and contributing to the discussion 🙂

Your GP is amazing with her advice......You/your GP mentioned..

5 things I can see around me
4 things I can hear around me
3 things I can touch around me
2 things I can smell around me
1 thing I can taste

This is very helpful....and I havent seen this method of coping for years.....Great post!

my kind thoughts

Paul

[sparrowhawk]

Thanks Paul. It really helps me and is a very healthy way of distraction.

[blondguy]

Hey Sparrowhawk!

No worries at all.....I have had some heavy duty anxiety for a while....a long while actually and what you have posted is an excellent method of 'grounding' when we become 'stuck'

Your GP is a legend 🙂

Thanks again for helping us on the forums Sparrow

my kind thoughts

Paul

[sparrowhawk]

🙂 Sending you healing thoughts, Paul. I am so glad it is helpful. My GP has really been amazing.