Where does mindfulness originate from?
Buddhism
Mindfulness (Sati) is the first step towards enlightenment or 'bare awareness'.
Hinduism
Bhagavad Gita’s discussions of yoga, Vedic meditation and Ahisma.
Taoism
Concentration, mindfulness, contemplation, and visualization
Stoicism
Stoic mindfulness; Greek word for “attention” prosochê (προσοχή)
What is mindfulness?
"Reconnecting with our bodies. Waking up to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. Awareness of thoughts and feelings as they happen. Allowing ourselves to see the present moment."
Professor Mark Williams
Former director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre
“Being mindful means that we suspend judgement for a time, set aside our immediate goals for the future, and take in the present moment as it is rather than as we would like it to be.”
How Can Mindfulness Help?
"The hype around mindfulness is real. People who incorporate it into their lives often report heightened levels of happiness, patience, acceptance, and compassion, as well as lower levels of stress, frustration, and sadness.
There’s plenty of research, too: Separate studies conducted by Northeastern University found that 3 weeks of mindful meditation increased compassion by 23% and reduced aggression by 57%.
What’s more, another study with students found that 10 days of meditation increased positivity and well-being.
Yet another — an internal study that was published in top mindfulness journal PLOS ONE — found that 10 days of meditation reduced stress by 14%."
There’s plenty of research, too: Separate studies conducted by Northeastern University found that 3 weeks of mindful meditation increased compassion by 23% and reduced aggression by 57%.
What’s more, another study with students found that 10 days of meditation increased positivity and well-being.
Yet another — an internal study that was published in top mindfulness journal PLOS ONE — found that 10 days of meditation reduced stress by 14%."
HeadSpace
The benefits of mindfulness
The three key characteristics of mindfulness:
[Images: credit Headspace]
STOPP
SOBER
HALT
SIFT
RAIN
Slow down
Take a breath
Observe
Process
Proceed
Stop
Observe
Breath
Expand
Respond
Hungry
Angry
Lonely
Tired
Sensations
Images
Feelings
Thoughts
Recognize
Allow
Investigate
Non-Identification
COAL
PEACE
SNAPP
STIC
TAP
Curiosity
Openness
Acceptance
Love
Pause
Exhale
Acknowledge
Choose
Engage
Stop
Notice
Allow
Penetrate
Prompt
Stop
Take a breath
Imagine consequences
Choose
Recognise
Allow
Investigate
Non-Identification
