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]

Everyone,

I think over the course of this thread many definitions of mindfulness have been given some like Sally succinct and to the point others more complicated.

Mindfulness has become and industry of books , workshops, and information so people feel if it is simple they must be doing it in a different way.

I have always gone for the simple approach and if others want a more complex one that is their choice.

I spoke to an 85 year old woman and she said when I described mindfulness, in my day that was called concentrating one thing at the one time.

Quirky

[Mez79]

I've recently started looking at this and tried a number of apps (all limited unless you pay a hefty subscription)
I'm finding that no matter how hard I'm focusing on my breathing it's not helping elevate my current discomfort that I'm going through. Even if I get to manage 5 mins of stillness as soon as I open my eyes I'm back 2 square 1.
Same with being focused on the task at hand. Can take note of what I'm doing but yet the back of my mind is racing 100km/ph

[blondguy]

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

Hello SallyisKind.........Its great to have your valued input on the forums and welcome! I am a big believer in keeping things simple and you are breath of fresh air with your post...You are spot on and thankyou! I am going to print out what Sally has posted and stick it on my refrigerator 🙂

SallyisKind mentioned.. 'mindfulness is about doing one thing at a time and paying attention to that one thing' Yes!

Hey Moon....always a bonus to have your clarity...Moon mentioned 'Sallyiskind has just outlined precisely what mindfulness is. So there's no need for anyone to wonder any longer' You rock Moon and thankyou x

Hey Quirky...You have a gift where speaking from the heart is concerned and thankyou for your ongoing care..you mentioned an excellent point...'I spoke to an 85 year old woman and she said when I described mindfulness, in my day that was called concentrating one thing at the one time' So very true!

Hey Mez79.....Great to have your input on Mindfulness and thankyou! You have a great focus where your health is concerned! Dont beat yourself up with not being able to exercise mindfulness or even breathing techniques for that matter...I used to have chronic anxiety followed by depression for over 30 years...It does take some time and determination for us to have some peace of mind...I understand about having a brain that is racing at 100kph....Seeing/venting to our doc (GP) frequently can work wonders with having some peace of mind...I really hope you can stick around the forums Mez79 🙂

my kind thoughts and appreciation

Paul

[Guest_4643]

Hi all.

I'm struggling to think of some mindfulness ideas, can someone please give me some suggestions? Thanks.

Tayla

[Guest_4643]

I did some mindfulness today.

Went for a walk as I do daily and although I do it often, I stared up at the sky, the trees, looked at the birds, took in the smell and surroundings. Listened to the crunch sound of the path underneath my feet, it was relaxing. It's been raining here for 2 days.

Tayla

[Ggrand]

Hello everyone...🤗.

Well done on doing some mindfulness today..Tayla....

I love looking at the sky, especially when the clouds scatter themselves across the blue sky..I like watching their shape slowly change while they calmly drift across the universe..

When I was younger, I would hide behind a big bbq..with pencil and paper and draw the clouds as I seen them...I still like to lay down on my front veranda and just watch the clouds float by...Its so relaxing and gives our mind a rest from the constant chattering...

I hope so much that everyone is doing okay..

Kind thoughts, love and warm hugs..💜🤗

Grandy..

[Guest_4643]

Thanks Grandy, and thanks for the suggestion.

Sounds like a nice idea! Take care.

Tayla x

[quirkywords]

Mindfulness,

This is something I am trying to use as I cope with starting again in many areas of my life.

I used to get overwhelmed every day worrying about everything I had to do now I focus on one task per day.

It works some time and I am trying.

Quirky

[Guest_4643]

Good on you quirkywords, and everyone in the forums. Even if it's not much, it's still an achievement and everyone should be proud of themselves I think.

I've been trying to do some more mindfulness myself, like when I go on my walks as I mentioned. That's mostly when I do it like today. A Butterfly kept landing on me and it made me smile, aswell as the scenery and bird life as always. The breeze was nice too although it kept blowing my hair everywhere haha, but it was still an enjoyable walk. I just kept breathing in and focusing on everything around me.

Take care all, I love this thread and everyone's comments. I love drawing inspiration from everyone and what I can try, so thanks everybody!

Tayla

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone! New members are always welcome to post too

Hey Tayla.....Thankyou for the excellent question about how to exercise mindfulness...I wrote this thread as I found mindfulness a new concept yet I am slowly getting there 🙂 I found SallyisKind's reply (just above) excellent as its accurate and helpful

SallyisKind mentioned "for me mindfulness is about doing one thing at a time and paying attention to that one thing"

Its not really that complicated until some health professionals mention 'Have you tried Mindfulness?' which is an 'empty' question/suggestion that can be unhelpful to some that dont understand the concept (me included)

Just for me Tayla...to lose ourselves in the moment is mindfulness...as you mentioned above with the butterfly!

Hey Grandy...always wonderful to read your posts and thankyou for sharing your thoughts in the caring way you do...Grandy mentioned 'I still like to lay down on my front veranda and just watch the clouds float by...Its so relaxing and gives our mind a rest from the constant chattering' x

Hey Quirky...your care factor is wonderful and thankyou so much for your heartfelt support...especially after what you have been through with the wildfires...x

Bear Hugs...if thats okay..

Paul