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

[smallwolf]

Hey Eagle... you have a way with words (wonderful)

I also want to add that having both a supportive psychologist and nature as anchors makes it even more powerful.

Having peaceful spaces, even in busy environments and the place you mentioned sounds great! People from the public when they see where I work have described it as a hidden oasis. It is not far from the city, but also has a old world elegance, gardens and space. You also have to really concentrate if you want to hear any cars passing by,

Thank you for sharing!

[Eagle Ray]

Hey smallwolf,

Your workplace sounds wonderful in terms of being like an oasis. I think those things can really make a difference. I friend told me about a study showing people living near a park had better mental health than those who don’t. I think seeking out peaceful places is really important. Listening to nature sounds can be really nice too. I have a CD of rainforest sounds that I find very peaceful which includes the different insects, frogs, mammals and birds, running water, monsoonal rain and distant thunder. So I think you can bring some peace in that way even if you live in an urban environment.

All the best!

Eagle 

[smallwolf]

There are some rooms for accommodation and a new tenant arrived last week. I spoke with this person today to show them around (induction etc) and he even said something similar. It's interesting that when things around us (or perhaps inside) are not good we might not noticed what is around us. It won't necessarily take away the pain but perhaps acts (in some form) as a sort of balance?

[Eagle Ray]

I do think certain environments can provide a sort of balance. I certainly find certain places in nature do that for me. I also think things like interior architecture, having a courtyard with some nice plants or natural light filtering in can all help create an ambience that supports feeling calm and peaceful. Ideally all workplaces should be optimised to create the best atmosphere. I'm really glad smallwolf that your workplace feels like a hidden oasis.

I have noticed that if things are not good inside of me I am less present with my surroundings. Even if going for a walk in nature I might not notice much around me at all as I'm preoccupied. I think there's a skill involved in recognising when that's happening and slowing down enough to be still and present. It might mean noticing how a particular plant is growing or what sounds can be heard. If I go out with the intent of doing photography it helps as I'm scanning the environment with more awareness, whether it's looking at the clouds and light for landscape photography or the activity of birds or other animals for wildlife photography. I photographed a rock concert on New Year's Eve once after I'd been through something really traumatic and it was the best thing I could have done as I was so in the moment, trying to capture the actions and expressions of the musicians with the colourful lighting too. All the recent trauma dissolved in the moment of absorption. So, yes, I think you're right, it doesn't necessarily take away the pain but it balances it out and reminds our psyche and nervous system what presence is and that it isn't all suffering. The present moment is so valuable.

[smallwolf]

Mindfulness can feel confusing or frustrating at times. And may not be for everyone. But I thought I would ask:

• What questions do you have about mindfulness?
• Is there anything that doesn’t quite make sense or that you struggle with?

Regardless of whether you're new to mindfulness or have been practicing for a while, please feel free to share your thoughts!