Mindfulness : An Introduction

“Do not dwell in the past, 

Do not dream of the future, 

Concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

-The Buddha-

We live in a busy world. For instance, a mother would have multi-tasks. She will clean the house while keeping one eye on the kids and other eye on the television. The definitions of ‘mindfulness’ are wide ranging. However, there is one thing that everyone would agree. That is ‘mindfulness’ is the ability that can be practiced to present in the moment. In other words, ‘mindfulness’ is the quality of being present. It can also define as the process, which brings one’s awareness to the experiences that are occurring in the present moment. There is a significant element in Buddhism; Sati (being in the present moment) to define mindfulness. 

When an individual becomes an object of his own uncontrollable conceptual proliferations, he does not have a mind, which is under control. In such cases, what happens in reality is the person is being controlled by his own mind. If someone needs to have a controlled mind, then he should develop mindfulness (Sati) or clear comprehension (Sampajañña). The Buddha has mentioned the occasions and activities in which we should cultivate mindfulness and clear comprehension. They are,

“When one is going forward or coming back, when one is looking ahead or looking aside, when one is drawing in or extending out the limbs, when wearing one’s clothes, when eating, drinking, chewing and tasting, when defecating and urinating, when walking, standing, sitting, falling asleep, waking up, speaking and keeping silent” (Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta)

It does not require us to change who we are. Actually, we already have the capacity to be in the present. The only thing that we need to do is to cultivate these innate qualities by using simple techniques. It does not require you to change your religious values or cultural practices to practice mindfulness because mindfulness is a universal human quality. However, it is not a mere practice, but a way of life. 

The Benefits of Mindfulness

- Improves well-being

- Improves physical and mental health

- You will experience heightened level of happiness, patience along with compassion.

- Reduce the levels of stress, frustration, and sadness.

- Enhance performance 

Here are some techniques that you can use to cultivate mindfulness. 

- You can focus your attention on the breath. This technique would anchor the mind and retain awareness. 

- Seated, walking, standing, and moving meditation techniques (Basic mindfulness techniques)

- Merge meditation with other day-to-day activities (Mindful breathing, observation, listening, awareness, immersion etc.)

Bibliography

Hanh, T. N. (1996). The Miracle of Mindfulness. (M. Ho, Trans.) Beacon Press.

Sockolov, M. (2018). Practicing Minfulness. Althea Press.