Mindfulness

Last updated on May 19, 2024

A few internet searches for “Mindfulness definition” will produce varying but similar results depending on your choice of search engine or syntax. My personal favorite is simple, being fully present in the current moment without judgment. Being fully aware of your thoughts and surroundings but in a non-interactive or judgmental way.

“True happiness is… to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.”

Seneca

We hear this term our entire lives, “be mindful of .. “, etc. and I like others never really bothered to explore its true meaning. It wasn’t until I began learning the practice of meditation that the power of this technique can make the difference in an entire life of happiness. Too often people run through life as fast as possible to their perceived goals as if it were a race to the finish line. As my definition and understanding of mindfulness began to broaden, I realized that our entire existence is the goal. I’ll share my thoughts about intention and surrender at another time but what matters is how they fit together. With a well defined intention and by surrendering to the path that draws you to it, life’s greatest enjoyments are experienced along the path. No time exists beyond the present moment. The past no longer exist except in the form of memories. The future will never be exactly as we imagine. The only time or experience that matters is now.

“To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.”

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 45

Observation without judgment. I was fortunate enough early on to come across a YouTube video that taught a mindfulness meditation at the beginner level I was at. Not only did this fast-track my learning to effectively meditate but sent me off on a journey to become an “observer” of my own thoughts and physical experiences. This has had a profound effect on my life and got me through what would have normally been some extremely challenging life experiences. Learning to observe thoughts and events without interacting with them and more importantly without attachment, gets you that much closer to living in a state of flow. Like a stream with no boulders or logs which slow the flow of water.

Take the time to observe your surroundings. Look closely at the plants and the trees and admire their intricate details. The veins in the leaves, the bees working diligently from flower to flower. Feel the connection between your feet and the ground. Take your shoes off and walk in the grass. These are the satisfying things in life that we normally speed past on our way to finding satisfaction.

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