It's a common question: "Why mindfulness; what for, mindfulness?" Often followed by, "I don't have time for meditations."

 

I absolutely understand - I often felt the same way, before I fully understood the benefits of mindfulness training. Undirected, it feels like such a waste of time. (But then again, I also used to feel much the same way about running disk scans and defrags on my computer, although I knew it made my computer run faster and smoother...)

 

Mindfulness training is the key which unlocks our ability to regulate the mind and body in beneficial ways. So while we often say we don’t have time for it; amongst mindfulness's many benefits is it actually helps us make the most of our limited time.

 

It sharpens our mental ability to function with relaxed awareness; paradoxically conserving our energy yet boosting our attention, improving our efficiency so we can work less yet achieve more. It also rests and rejuvenates our nervous system; which means it is highly beneficial for addressing a range of stress-related health issues.

 

As the final filter of perception, the mind controls everything - so mindfulness training gives you the most direct line to influencing and changing your habits and practices.

 

Traditionally regarded as bringinging happiness, contentment and joy; you may be surprised to find mindfulness training also improves your resilience in life, your clarity of purpose, and can help you achieve your goals, and manage your time.

 

When you use mindfulness practice, you’re working with an internal intention, rather than imposing goals as an external motivation. So while the changes brought about by mindfulness may be gradual and gentle, they tend to be sustainable and durable. Simple, effective example can range from naturally eating less for weight loss, to mentally setting a wake-up time without an alarm clock.

 

My own experience of being introduced to mindfulness at 18 was such an eye-opening paradigm-shift; that despite forgetting about it for long stretches at a time, I found myself returning to it again and again over the years, each time rediscovering in it a source of solace and strength; a sanctuary amidst distress, distractions and the detours of life.

 

Possibly the most cost-effective method for improving your overall quality of life, with the fewest detrimental side-effects - mindfulness can be practiced with a pared-down simplicity of approach that makes the practice as easy as possible.

 

Suitable for people from any background and at any level of experience, gentle mindfulness is a fully secular practice with a clear, scientific, rational, logical approach to understanding the mind, and how it works. It’s simplicity makes it highly accessible for anyone regardless of background or experience; without touching upon race or religion.

 

Perhaps the only prerequisite is being able to stay (awake!) in a comfortable position. To facilitate this, yoga is a useful complementary practice, as it helps people of all ages to find ease and comfort in the body.

So.... what for, mindfulness?

 

Simple: to get more out of life; to make the most of our limited time, and to have have greater joy, contentment, happiness and resilience; more accessible in amidst the ups and downs of daily life.