What is Mindfulness & Emotional Awareness?

In short, mindfulness is a simple form of meditation that allows you to focus your mind on the current moment. When we do this, we are able to let go of the constant chatter that buzzes around our brains all day. This chattering is responsible for our anxieties, depressions, low self esteem, lack of concentration and many, many more behaviours that can make our lives difficult at times.  Learning to have this new awareness also allows us to be much more aware of what we are truly experiencing in our minds and bodies, including how we are feeling and why. Culturally, we have been taught to hide our 'difficult' feelings and this can result in confusion, distorted thoughts and an inability to regulate our emotions.  When we learn about emotional awareness through mindfulness, we are encouraged to acknowledge and understand how we feel.  Once we can do this, we are no longer in fear and can employ strategies to help ourselves.

• Decreased stress levels

• Improved sleep

• Reduced anxiety

• Better concentration

• Improved self esteem

• Increased confidence

• A feeling of being calm and connected

• Lower blood pressure

• Improved relationships

• Better memory, creativity and cognitive skills

• Reduction in pain and reaction to it

• Better emotional intelligence

• I need to empty my mind - This would be nearly impossible. Thinking is part of mindfulness. It is simply about allowing your thoughts to be 'in the moment' rather than being judgemental or flitting about elsewhere.

• I need to sit cross legged and chant - You can practise mindfulness anywhere, in silence, out loud, in any position, at any time and during any task. Walking, showering, washing up, cooking, driving.  There are no limits. Even in a room full of people who have no idea what you're doing.   

• I don't have the time - As you are able to practise mindfulness anywhere and during any task, you don't have to make time for it, you just need to remember to practise. Also, even being mindful for 30 seconds is brilliant and makes huge changes in your brain.

• I've tried meditation before and I can't do it - We all know how to be mindful already, it's just a matter of reminding ourselves. Also, there are so many different ways to practise mindfulness that there are techniques to suit everyone, no matter how your brain behaves.  

• It is based on a religion - Mindfulness is simply brain training. Many religious people practise meditation but then so do many atheists and agnostics.