Mindfulness didn’t spring to life on a New York Times bestseller list or on a talk show in the 90s. Nor was it new when scientist, professor, and author John Kabat-Zinn founded the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Clinic in the 70s.
Yes, mindfulness is now a component of healthcare and educational systems worldwide, but the concept of being present in the moment is ancient. Its roots go back thousands of years into the philosophies of Buddhism. In the Buddhist Maha-satipatthana Sutta the Buddhateaches that a mindfulness practitioner should keep their attention on body, feelings, mind, and mental qualities.
For those of us trying life a nobody life, the tool of mindfulness is (in our opinion!) important because it helps us focus on what’s happening now so that we can attain awareness and clarity in the moment instead of being dragged headlong into the future or kicking back into the past.
When we pay attention to sensation as it arises and fades away, we gain insight into what is truly lasting, and what isn’t. What is good for us now, and what isn’t. What our intuition is telling us, and what it isn’t.
When you practice mindfulness, start with your body…your breath. As ancient as mindfulness is, breath is even more ancient. It’s the key to life! So, if you want, start this way:
- Sit quietly
- Focus on your breath
- If your mind gets distracted (and it will), gently bring your attention back to your breath
Mindfulness isn’t new, but your practice can be. In fact, your practice is new each time you sit down to do it. Tap into one of the great transformational ideas and tools of the ages – mindfulness – and breathe new life into your journey of personal growth.
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