What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a practice, a way of being and a tool for self-mastery (to master oneself one must know oneself).

A way to get to know, accept and love yourself deeply.

Jon Kabit Zinn - who's the Godfather of Mindfulness in the west and whose work forms the basis of this course describes it like this

“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally,”

Why Practice Mindfulness?

There are many reasons to practice mindfulness and I've eluded to one of them in the above description  "a tool for self mastery”.
Any tool that helps us fulfil our potential is one we should strongly consider using.

Mindfulness also
*Trains our capacity to focus and direct our attention
 *Teaches us to become more present and tuned in to the richness of life.
*Cultivates a deep sense of Self Awareness and Acceptance
 *Helps us break old habits, behaviours and ways of being that may no longer serve us.

How to Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a way of being that is cultivated by formal practice and informal practice.

Formal Practice is the training of attention via meditation.

Informal Practice is bringing more attention into day to day activities to notice what we might learn about ourselves and how tuning into the present moment can change our experience.

Both the formal and informal practice of mindfulness will be greatly supported by the right attitude.  Some of the qualities that make up the right attitude for mindfulness are  Non Judgement, Acceptance, Patience, Non Striving, Beginners Mind, Trust, Letting Go.  This list can appear to be quite daunting, but each of these qualities will develop as your practice deepens and they often develop in unison with one another.  (For a more in depth look at these attitudinal qualities check out the page titled  Attitudes to Support Mindfulness.)