A useful approach to understanding mindfulness is to first consider what it is to not live mindfully.
Habitually Lost in Thought
Have you ever walked or driven a regular route, only to arrive at your usual destination and realize you should have been going somewhere else on that occasion? We call this being on auto-pilot—being “miles away” without knowing it. We often find ourselves habitually lost in thought, and consequently not truly “present,” moment-by-moment, for much of our lives.
This state of auto-pilot creates a sense of disconnection from our feelings, our bodies, and what is happening directly in front of and within us. Crucially, in this state, external events easily trigger our old, unhelpful habits of feeling, thinking, and behavior. These triggers eventually lead to physical and emotional symptoms of stress.
Stepping Out of Auto-pilot
Fortunately, mindfulness practice offers a simple way to “step out” of auto-pilot and reconnect with our bodies and inner resources again. By becoming more aware of our bodily sensations, feelings, and thoughts from moment to moment, we give ourselves the possibility of greater freedom and choice; in other words, we no longer need to play out the same old patterns that may have caused problems in the past.
As we increase our awareness, we begin to respond to situations with choice, rather than react automatically. This involves us becoming more aware of where our attention is, and then deliberately bringing the focus of attention back into our body and senses, over and over again.
Allowing versus Achieving
It is important to note that sometimes people get caught up in the idea that mindfulness will instantly make them a more relaxed, calmer, and happier person. This “goal-oriented” approach can stunt the full richness of the practice and what it offers. Mindfulness is not about trying to be different in some way or reach a certain state of being. Instead, it is about allowing yourself to be exactly where you are, exactly as you are, with no judgement.
Join the next Mindfulness Course
Find out more about the next upcoming mindfulness course in Cape Town or online. Alternatively, email bianca@mindfulnesspractice.co.za for more information.