Mindfulness gives us the ability to recognize our options and take back control of our lives. It gives us the power to become the person we want to be.
History and Origin of Mindfulness
The definition of mindfulness comes from Pali (Middle Indo-Aryan liturgical language native to the Indian subcontinent that emerged for psychological writing texts in the 5th century). Sati in Pali is the word for mindfulness and its basis is “being attentive or remembering to pay attention”. It is synonymous with awareness and presence – to not be aware of anything but what you’re directly experiencing and to lessen the weight of thoughts and mental activity.
But beyond a direct translation, the word sati actually means being more fully conscious and aware than normal. The meaning imbeds a stronger peripheral awareness with tight precision and balanced objectivity. In the last century, the world of positive psychology has amplified and spread the meaning and significance through occidental culture and across the planet.
What does Mindfulness do?
Mindfulness is the optimal interaction between your immediate attention and what’s in your peripheral awareness, it requires increasing the overall ability of the mind over time and expanding the capacity and threshold for holding a balanced mind-state. Meaning you are aware of what’s around you but only aware enough for it to be useful and manageable and not become cumbersome. It is a balanced state with high utility and aids us in experiencing a fuller, more enriching and enjoyable life.
Experiential Learning Exercise: Try it out!
Let’s practice a quick mindfulness exercise together now. Whether you’re laying down, sitting, or standing; feel into your feet and feel the support of the ground. Hold your awareness there and tune out other ideas or things happening.
Then guide your awareness or attention up through your legs and note the different parts of your body. Legs, seat muscles, hips, torso, back, ribs, chest, shoulders hands and arms. Go all the way up to your head but take your time. Then notice the breath going in and out of your nose, filling up your chest and belly.
Stay focused on your chest and belly expanding and contracting for a while.
Breath-by-breath, relax more and more into your body and let every other idea or thing happening disappear.
Continue to practice this as long as you’d like.
This is a quick and easy mindfulness exercise to be practiced anywhere.
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How do We Practice
Mindfulness can be specific exercises, routines and practices; or it can be a way of life.
How you choose to move through your day and the tempo at which you run your life is essentially your mindfulness in summary.
A working-definition for mindfulness is the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. Having a singular focus and being aware of solely what you’re doing as you do it.
Oxford Dictionary declares it as, “A mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.”
Mindfulness Means Space and Pace
Mindfulness gives us the space and time to slow down the chaos of the modern world and better connect with ourselves. It is critical to our wellness because it will allow us to better care for ourselves and prioritize the right wellness activities at the right times.
Mindset matters and we will gain greater self-mastery by practicing mindfulness meditation more regularly.
Mindfulness will determine our quality of life and the rate at which we accomplish our goals.
Mindfulness will allow us to experience a more comfortable and manageable life while still succeeding in everything we have set out to do.
Mindfulness Allows Us to Regain Control and Steer Our Journey
Through the practice of mindfulness, we gain the profound power to shape ourselves into the individuals we aspire to be. Delving into the history and origins of mindfulness reveals its essence deeply rooted in Pali, where the term “sati” signifies a heightened state of consciousness and presence. This concept has transcended translations and cultures, finding a significant place in the landscape of positive psychology and touching lives across the globe.
Mindfulness is the delicate dance between our immediate focus and our peripheral awareness. With practice, it refines our mental faculties, expanding our capacity to hold a balanced state of mind. This equilibrium enables us to embrace the world around us without becoming overwhelmed, leading us towards a richer, more fulfilling existence.
Calm Amidst the Chaos
As you’ve experienced through the simple mindfulness exercise, the journey starts with presence. By grounding ourselves in the present moment, we uncover a sense of calm amidst the chaos. This practice extends beyond mere exercises; it intertwines with the rhythm of our daily lives. Mindfulness, whether encapsulated in routines or infused into our way of life, invites us to tread deliberately, fostering a deeper connection with our inner selves.
At its core, mindfulness offers us the gift of space and time – the precious opportunity to slow down amidst the frenzy of modernity. This gift empowers us to make better choices for our well-being and align our priorities with our authentic selves. Through consistent mindfulness meditation, we unlock the doors to self-mastery, shaping our mindset, quality of life, and even our accomplishments.
Your Partner in Mindfulness Programming
Origins Unity stands as your ally, dedicated to guiding you on your journey of mindfulness and meditation. Whether you’re rekindling an existing practice or venturing into uncharted territories, we are here to support you every step of the way. So, take a moment now – breathe deeply, exhale slowly, connect with the ground beneath you, and accept this moment for what it is. As you navigate the path of mindfulness, remember that you’re not alone. Let us know how you’re progressing, for in unity, we find strength and growth.
Take a deep breath. Slow the exhale. Feel your feet. Accept the moment as it is and let us know how you’re doing!
