The Benefits of Mindfulness
All around us, the world is dying. From moment to moment, our own lives are also slipping away. We are in a sort of free-fall, and it is not clear whether this is occurring inside of us, in the world outside, or both. And in the midst of this uncertainty, knowing what to do is even less clear. At the same time, the imperative for taking action only continues to grow more desperate. But perhaps if we take a step back from both acting and refraining from action, to both reflect on and fully feel the situation that surrounds and pervades us, we might be able to see the situation differently, and to then act in ways that are presently beyond what we have imagined.
Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention to the present. This state is described as observing one’s thoughts and feelings without judging them as good or bad. To live mindfully is to live in the moment and reawaken oneself to the present, rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. To be mindful is to observe and label thoughts, feelings, sensations in the body in an objective manner. Mindfulness can therefore be a tool to avoid self-criticism and judgment while identifying and managing difficult emotions.
Mindfulness encompasses two key ingredients: awareness and acceptance. Awareness is the knowledge and ability to focus attention on one’s inner processes and experiences, such as the experience of the present moment. Acceptance is the ability to observe and accept—rather than judge or avoid—those streams of thought. Being able to think about ourselves as creatures that have a past, a present, and a future is a significant evolutionary advantage. This ability to self-reflect in increasingly complex ways about the past and future is a distinct feature of human consciousness, and it has enabled us to become a highly adaptive, inventive, and successful species. Self-reflection an attribute that will prove beneficial as we enter the Post Covid era.
Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness, even for just a few weeks, can bring a variety of physical, psychological, and social benefits. Here are some of these benefits, which extend across many different settings.
- Mindfulness is good for our bodies: A seminal study found that, after just eight weeks of training, practicing mindfulness meditation boosts our immune system’s ability to fight off illness.
- Mindfulness is good for our minds: Several studies have found that mindfulness increases positive emotions while reducing negative emotions and stress.
- Mindfulness changes our brains: Research has found that it increases density of gray matter in brain regions linked to learning, memory, emotion regulation, and empathy.
- Mindfulness fosters compassion and altruism: Research suggests mindfulness training makes us more likely to help someone in need and increases activity in neural networks involved in understanding the suffering of others and regulating emotions.
- Mindfulness enhances relationships: Research suggests mindfulness training makes couples more satisfied with their relationship. Mindful couples may also recover more quickly from conflict.
- Mindfulness affects the way we see ourselves: More mindful people have a stronger sense of self and seem to act more in line with their values.
Practicing mindfulness can help heal the wounds that were laid bare because of the pandemic. Think about what you are thinking about. It will back it easier to chart your post Covid journey.
