Defining Mindfulness
We take care of the future, by taking care of the present moment. – Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD
Defining Mindfulness
We take care of the future, by taking care of the present moment. – Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the ability to be fully engaged in the present moment, free from distraction or judgment, and aware of your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them (take a breath, read that again!). It might seem easy, but usually our minds are ‘all over the place’.
89% of the time we are not fully present. In these moments we are on autopilot. When we’re on autopilot, automatic thoughts and behavioural patterns are activated. Some of these patterns are crucial and necessary to live (like walking, opening doors, eating, and drinking), however some patterns are not beneficial and when continuously repeated can strongly impact our lives in unwanted ways.
Mindfulness is a powerful practice that helps us create awareness around non-beneficial patterns and gives us the tools to interrupt (or step out of) them.
Mindgym
Mindfulness is like going to the GYM for your mind. You can see it as brain training.
For example, when building physical fitness, we use different gym equipment to train our muscles, develop stamina or to lose weight.
For Mindfulness training, we use 2 types of ‘equipment’: meditation as a tool to train the brain in combination with education on different themes.
Various meditation techniques are used to cultivate attention skills, develop emotional regulation and decrease negative thinking, rumination and worry.
The educational themes - combined with practical exercises - are used to enhance learning and development. A full Mindfulness training is a self-development program that offers education on various themes among which: stress, boundary setting, energy management, positive psychology, emotional agility, compassion and self-confidence.
The science behind Mindfulness
Neuroplasticity, also called brain plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization.
Meditation allows for brainwaves to move from a higher to a lower frequency. This results in neuron activity in the medial prefrontal cortex to decrease, making us feel calmer. In addition, new neuron pathways are built in the area of the brain responsible for qualities such as focus and decision-making, allowing for increased sense of clarity.
A regular meditation practice results in both the grey matter (the area of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, planning, and problem-solving) and the cortical thickness (responsible for learning and memory) to increase in size. In addition, the amygdala, or the part in the brain that regulates stress, fear and anxiety, decreases in size.
Interested in doing a Mindfulness training?
This is what Mindfulness can bring:
Less Stress
You will understand how to manage your anxiety and stress, leaving you feeling more relaxed.
A Calm Mind
You will learn to calm your non-stop mind and experience the sweet territory of silence.
Increased Positivity
You will learn to recognize and deal with negative thinking and behavioural patterns.
More Confidence
You will feel more empowered, connected and loving towards yourself and others.
Emotional Stability
You will be able to manage your emotions better and feel more grounded and balanced.
Sharper Focus
You will improve your mental performance, unlocking your fullest potential.
More Energy
You will feel more fresh and energised, applying energy management techniques.
Sounder Sleep
You will experience improved sleep, through the calming qualities of meditation.