Mindfulness stands for mindful awareness which originates from Buddhist philosophy and practice and is now routinely used by the clinicians of the mind. Mindfulness has also been paired with Acceptance Commitment Therapy. Mindfulness is the ancient practice of someone’s sensory experience in the present moment which is a subjective, inner focus of the mind on present experience without criticism, analysis or any form of evaluation but only a child-like curious ”not-knowing”ness.
Evidence from research studies show that being present without being judgmental does improve immune function, enhances a sense of equanimity and clarity which in turn increases empathy and relational quality.
Mindfulness expert and researcher, Dan Siegel says that mindfulness as a neural practice in developing an awareness of the present moment with curiosity, openness, acceptance and love (COAL) towards our ongoing experience improves the functioning of our brains, our minds and our relationships.
The pioneer of Westernised mindfulness, Jon Kabat-Zinn says that “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” In today’s world of constant cacophony, it is an effective way to reduce stress, enhance emotional intelligence and deal with painful thoughts and feelings. It has been clinically proven to enhance psychological health in mental disorders.
