Mindfulness

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness originally came from Buddhist traditions of meditation and spiritual practice. At its most basic definition, mindfulness is having an awareness of the present moment. In addition to this mindfulness also means having an acceptance of whatever is happening in the here and now, without judgement. Meditation is an important element of mindfulness as it allows us to practice paying attention to what is occurring in the present. In the present moment, one becomes aware of the mind, the body, the breath, the emotions and the senses. Mindfulness is an antidote to over-thinking, rumination, anxiety and depression. Whilst meditation is a prime example of practicing mindfulness, other practices such as yoga, Pilates and qigong can also be considered mindful as they can help us to cultivate the skills of being connected to the present moment. Mindfulness can also be practiced during more mundane tasks, for example, one can wash the dishes in a mindful way or you can drive a car mindfully.

The Mindful Body & Spirit approach to mindfulness.

Paul believes that mindfulness is a practice that we are all capable of doing, anytime anywhere. As long as you are breathing, you can practice mindfulness! Influenced by both traditional Buddhist and modern western strands of mindfulness, Paul seeks to provide his students with real, practical experiences of connecting to the present moment through a high degree of awareness. In a Mindful Body & Spirit mindfulness session, Paul will guide you through various techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises and subtle movements that will enable you to become more adept at sensing the present moment in your everyday life. Practicing mindfulness can help you stay grounded in your body, keep your mind calm and teach you to be more aware of your emotions as you move throughout each moment of your day.