What Mindfulness Is And Isn't

In recent years, mindfulness has become increasingly popular as a tool for improving mental health, promoting self-care, and cultivating an open mind. However, there are still many misconceptions about what mindfulness actually is and how it can help you achieve greater awareness, acceptance, and understanding of yourself.

What Mindfulness IS

1. Mindfulness Is Being Aware in the Present

Put simply, mindfulness is about being conscious of our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and surroundings in the present moment. This means focusing only on what’s happening right now without getting distracted by worries about the future or biases created in the past. When being mindful, you should be engaged strictly with whatever you are doing at that moment and aware of your feelings about it.

2. Mindfulness Is Nonjudgmental Observation

A fundamental aspect of mindfulness is embracing the moment with openness and curiosity – not making judgments or tapping into preconceived ideas or feelings. This means not only being aware of your thoughts and feelings but also refraining from labeling them as positive or negative. For example, if while practicing mindfulness you feel anger or frustration arise, you should accept those emotions without trying to suppress them or judging yourself for feeling that way.

3. Mindfulness Is Supported by Research

Studies suggest that focusing on the present can positively affect our physical health and mental wellness. Practicing mindfulness can help you reduce your stress, maintain focus, and increase your resilience. There’s also evidence that mindfulness can lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and reduce chronic pain.

4. Mindfulness Is More Than a Practice

Mindfulness isn’t something you necessarily set aside time in your day to do – it’s a way of living. The point of mindfulness is to strive for greater awareness and acceptance in every aspect of your life so that you can approach any challenging situation with an open mind.

What Mindfulness ISN'T

1. Mindfulness Is Not About Emptying Your Mind or Ignoring Your Feelings

Some people incorrectly believe that mindfulness is about clearing your mind or trying to escape or ignore difficult emotions. In reality, mindfulness encourages us to face what we’re experiencing directly and actually discourages us from avoiding our feelings. Instead of eliminating our thoughts and feelings, mindfulness teaches us to experience them, accept them as part of the human experience, and then let them go without judgment.

2. Mindfulness Isn’t Connected to a Specific Religion

Mindfulness isn’t associated with any particular religion nor does it conflict with any. Many religions and cultures have their own mindfulness practices to cultivate compassion for and connection to everything around us. Mindfulness also does not have to be inherently religious at all – no matter what your spiritual beliefs, you can still benefit from mindfulness.

3. Mindfulness Isn’t the Same as Meditation

Meditation is a specific activity, while mindfulness is more of a philosophy. While mindfulness is often incorporated into meditation, you don’t have to set aside time, perform a specific ritual, or find a quiet place to be mindful. Being mindful simply means being present without judgment – whether you are at work, walking your dog, driving, or relaxing at home.

4. Mindfulness Is Not a Quick Fix

Mindfulness is an ongoing practice to change how you perceive situations around you and learn to accept the feelings that your perception triggers. And while practicing mindfulness can reap many benefits, it’s not a miracle cure-all for your ills. Rather than thinking of it as a specific treatment for things like stress, anxiety, or depression, think of mindfulness as a healthy start – a way to learn how to connect with yourself nonjudgmentally so you can better address what ails you.

Being Mindful of Your Mental Health with LiveWell

While mindfulness can support your mental wellness and help you better understand and accept your emotions, sometimes you may also need mental health treatment to alleviate persistent symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other issues. At LiveWell, our therapeutic counseling center, you’ll receive compassionate care customized to treat your individual symptoms, in a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment. To learn more about how LiveWell can help you, please call (201) 848-5800 or visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/LiveWell.