Mindfulness: New Concept or Ancient Practice?
Mindfulness seems to be the new buzzword lately. I heard Anderson Cooper mentioned it on CNN recently and I just received notification about a course being offered from a local University called Mindfulness and the Law. The program states that it teaches the integration of mindfulness and neuroscience for lawyers.
What is mindfulness anyway? My favorite source, Wikipedia, sheds enlightenment:
“The term mindfulness is derived from the Pali-term Sati and is an essential element of Buddhist practice”. Mindfulness is the “intentional, accepting and non-judgmental focus of one’s attention on the emotions, thoughts and sensations occurring in the present moment.” “The word sati derives from a root meaning ‘to remember,’ but as a mental factor it signifies presence of mind, attentiveness to the present, rather than the faculty of memory regarding the past.”
So what does this have to do with us?
Where does it come into play in our daily lives? What do I benefit from being mindful? An example of the uses of mindfulness is exhibited in our first responders when they arrive on a scene that requires them to use their training. They need to be present in the situation to effectively respond and do the job they were trained to do. No worrying about, what if I mess up, or this is not convenient for me today, there are lives that depend on them.
An important benefit of mindfulness is to reduce stress. However, the most important benefit is allowing the wisdom and knowledge you already possess to flow through with confidence. Over 2500 years ago in the Tao Te Ching, writer Lao Tzu tells us: “At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.” Are you ready to experience mindfulness and expand your life in ways you cannot imagine? Learn more about Focused Coaching and opportunities to achieve mindfulness and more on my website at www.kathleenacarr.com.
Sign up for a free 20-minute coaching call and we will talk about how you can be clear and confident about what you are here to do.