What is mindfulness?
mind·ful·ness /ˈmīn(d)f(ə)lnəs/ noun
1. the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. "their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition"
2. a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.
How do we learn mindfulness?
Learning mindfulness follows a similar path to acquiring skills like dribbling a basketball or riding a bike—through practice. Engaging in mindfulness practice involves setting a clear intention in the present moment, recognizing when your focus drifts away, and gently redirecting it back to your original intention. The consistency of mindfulness practice leads to an increased realization of its beneficial impact on our lives. Alongside guided meditations, having the guidance and support of a proficient teacher or coach can significantly aid in this journey.
What makes it important for adolescents and teens to embrace mindfulness?
In today's world, we are inundated with an abundance of information, creating an environment filled with distractions and stressors, especially for adolescents and teens. This generation faces an unprecedented level of pressure. Depression has emerged as the leading cause of disease, while anxiety has become pervasive. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), teenagers experience stress patterns akin to adults, often reporting higher stress rates compared to other age groups. Mindfulness practice stands as an invaluable tool to equip teens and adolescents with essential skills to navigate the complexities of modern life.
Is it possible to introduce mindfulness to children?
Practicing mindfulness helps bolster fundamental skills crucial for every child in today's world. It plays a pivotal role in fostering emotional regulation, refining attention control, and managing stress effectively. Moreover, mindfulness enables kids to nurture qualities such as joy, curiosity, empathy, and organizational abilities.
What if my child has received an ADHD diagnosis? Can mindfulness be beneficial for them?
Absolutely! Research indicates that mindfulness meditation can improve performance in executive functioning tasks, including attention, working memory, and cognitive control. This evidence strongly suggests that mindfulness training is not only relevant but also a helpful practice for children and young individuals coping with ADHD.
How does mindfulness enrich our lives?
Living to our fullest potential necessitates understanding and fulfilling our needs. Mindfulness serves as a catalyst for achieving both, aiding in the construction of a deeply satisfying life. To live authentically and abundantly, we have six fundamental psycho-social needs ingrained in our neuro-biology: Connection, Feeling, Awareness, Insight, Purpose, and Accomplishment. Mindfulness equips us with the ability to more adeptly nurture and develop each of these core needs.
