Mindfulness is one of the third generation therapies in Psychology. It is about helping the patient to make a behavioral and emotional modification, but from a global approach and close to the person, rather than to the problem.
As a technique, mindfulness has its origins in ancient contemplative practices that were developed in India and, from there, spread throughout the Asian continent. The common core of these practices was to achieve a state of happiness through a refined control over the reactivity of the mind, that is, an emancipation of the individual from psychological conditioning.
The word mindfulness refers to the basic human capacity to be able to be in the present, to be able to remain in the here and now. We rarely place ourselves in the present moment. When we get lost in memories of the past or anticipation of the future we tend to get caught up, so it hijacks our attention, making it harder for us to stay in the everyday moments of our lives. The key to mindfulness is to notice when we are not truly in the present moment, and thus bring us back.
What is mindfulness based on?
It is a practice based on meditation. It consists of paying attention to thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations and the environment around us, without judging whether they are appropriate. Attention is focused on what is perceived, without worrying about the problems, their causes and consequences.
The practice of mindfulness is comparable to muscle strengthening exercises. Just as when we do not strengthen our muscles they atrophy and weaken, our capacity for mindfulness also weakens or atrophies when we use it. It is a very powerful tool to nurture pleasant experiences and emotions and to learn to relate to difficult experiences in a more constructive way. It helps us to manage and face unpleasant emotions with awareness and to value them as something that is going to happen. It gives us the possibility to choose what to do with what is happening to me. Being able to make that choice is considered a conscious step towards mindfulness, rather than a detour into naivety, resignation or impulsive behavior. Mindfulness develops our ability to look inward to access the fertile foundation of wisdom that underpins our lives.
How can mindfulness help us and when is it used?
Mindfulness of the here and now helps us focus more on our goals, improves our emotional intelligence and keeps us away from stress. We live in a society that encourages immediacy, to be a thousand things…, it is not surprising that one of the evils that most affects our society is stress and all the possible disorders associated with it. We do not stop to live in the present, there is always something going on in our head or something external that prevents us from fully enjoying the moment.
That is exactly what mindfulness is all about, full attention to the present moment, but without making judgments. Several scientific studies show that mindfulness helps to improve concentration, creativity, emotional intelligence, memory and the ability to cope with complicated situations. It is about learning to disconnect from the outside and connect with oneself in body and mind. Relax the mind and concentrate on what is happening in the present in a full way. The practice of mindfulness is an extraordinary resource that can help us in any area of our personal or professional life, so it can serve anyone. By practicing it regularly, people can face problems more satisfactorily, be more productive at work and enjoy each moment more intensely. Mindfulness is used in the treatment of stress, anxiety disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders and chronic pain. It is also used in education and in business due to the multiple benefits it offers such as stress reduction, increased attention and increased job satisfaction.
A person can begin to practice mindfulness by paying attention to the present moment and relating to it as it is. It is important to be guided by an experienced professional who brings rigor and depth to the practice.