What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is “paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally” (Jon Kabat-Zinn).

In other words it’s about being present with whatever we are experiencing - including noticing our thinking and in everyday life activities such as: eating, walking, listening, driving, and getting annoyed! Choosing not to sleepwalk through life but living it with an attitude of curiosity, kindness and openness. In practicing mindfulness we are developing a skill and ability to notice our thoughts/pre-occupations as they are happening/in the moment.

Whilst drawing on meditation practises, mindfulness is a completely secular methodology and can be practised by anyone religious or non-religious. It is practical tool for training the mind in concentration and calm as well as learning how to ‘unhook’ the mind from ruminative thinking.

Why mindfulness?

Numerous research studies have demonstrated the benefits of mindfulness across a range of situations including:

• Resilience and concentration

• Techniques for managing the effects of anxiety and stress

• Increases in the cognitive capacity for concentration and the regulation of emotions.

Neuro-scientific evidence shows that mindfulness practise actually produces changes in the operations of the brain itself, as new habits of behaviour are developed and reinforced.

The Government Paper ‘The Mindful Nation’ (2015) illustrates the value, research and future of Mindfulness within our society. It specifically focuses on why mindfulness is useful within the education sector. It highlights the scale of mental health difficulties within the UK, the impact on the workplace and the benefits of staff using mindfulness in education. Many organisations are well aware of the importance of encouraging employee wellbeing, creativity and commitment to achieve success in what are often challenging circumstances, but are unsure how to prevent mental health problems developing. Much research is highlighting that well taught Mindfulness courses are helping people meet the demands of a challenging workplace and the difficulties of staying mentally well.

Numerous research studies have demonstrated the benefits of mindfulness across a range of situations including:

• Techniques for managing the effects of anxiety and stress

• Increases in the cognitive capacity for concentration and the regulation of emotions

• Increase in compassion/empathy/kindness for self and others

• Resilience and concentration in sports and high-pressure performance

• Management of pain & chronic pain

• Decrease in Stress

Neuro-scientific evidence shows that mindfulness practice actually produces changes in the operations of the brain itself, as new habits of behaviour are developed and reinforced.

Even brief periods of mindfulness practice can lead to objectively measured higher cognitive skills such as improved reaction times, comprehension scores, working memory functioning and decision-making.

Researchers tested creative problem-solving skills and found that participants who had practiced mindfulness for just 10 minutes before these tests generated significantly more creative strategies. Improved emotional skills after mindfulness training have emerged in studies of school teachers. Participants were more able to manage their thoughts and behaviour and were more skilled in coping, sustaining motivation, planning and problem solving. There was greater emotional positivity (with empathy, tolerance, forgiveness and patience, and less anger).