Mindfulness is , first, witnessing
Mindfulness is not a relaxation tool, relaxation is just a nice side-effect that most likely will happen. The essence of mindfulness is developing the quality of a ‘witness’ within. Witnessing our experience at the moment regardless if it is pleasant/unpleasant, joyful/sorrowful, exciting/boring.. etc.
Life is a dance. Mindfulness is witnessing that dance. Amit Ray
When we master the art of witnessing we become less reactive and more in control of our actions. Therefore, we experience a phenomenon of reduced anxiety and stress.
However, if we jump straight into trying to be relaxed, calm or super-alert to everything that is happening in the moment, we may be at risk of imposing yet another goal on ourselves.
“For me personally, I have really been struggling to accept my negative states — anger, irritation, frustration, tiredness. I have suppressed and repressed it for years. So when I discovered mindfulness I fell into a trap of trying to avoid those states and feelings by becoming aware and trying to choose other feelings or thoughts that I could find happening and giving them more attention, validation and acceptance.
Only, when I realised that my bubble of negativity grew so big that it clouded my mind and days, I took conscious steps to just witness. Not acting, not jumping on a train of thoughts around my experience, not judging. This has allowed me to pop my bubble in a controlled and less damaging way. Moreover, I can hold others’ negativity without reactivity and judgement, rather with compassion and patience. ” — Dilya M-A (Mindful Globe Founder)
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Learn more on www.mindfulglobe.org or Mindful Globe YouTube channel
