The term MINDFULNESS refers to a form of meditation that involves voluntarily focusing oneself in the present moment , and paying full attention to what is happening in that moment without judging it.
Mindfulness is a westernised adaptation of VIPASSANA meditation, which originated in India and seeks to “become aware of the present moment or reality”. It was adapted by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the United States in the 1970s and since then it has extended to numerous other countries, with more followers each day. It provides benefits for a wide range of aspects of Western life within schools, hospitals, work environments as well as personal development or improvement.
It has been proven that practicing Mindfulness for 30 minutes each day provides numerous benefits: reduces stress and anxiety levels, improves performance in studies, and helps to develop self-esteem and self-confidence. Although those aspects are very beneficial, they are not the most important aspects of Mindfulness.
Above any other meditation or personal improvement technique, Mindfulness offers the possibility for you to be fully aware of your life. We are usually so focused on our own thoughts that we barely pay attention to our surroundings. We spend days, months and even years on autopilot and we miss a large percentage of our life without being aware of it.
Mindfulness has much to offer if you are willing to practice regularly and up to the challenge of living your life to the fullest.