Understanding Mindfulness: What It Means to Live Mindfully
Written by: Caitlin Hennessy (Flow State Space Counsellor)
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant buzz of life; whether it’s work, relationships, or the endless stream of information we’re exposed to daily. But what if there was a way to slow down and truly experience life in the moment? Enter mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a psychological practice that has its roots in ancient Buddhist teachings, but in recent decades, it has become a popular tool in psychology and counselling to improve mental well-being. At its core, mindfulness is the act of being fully present in the moment, paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the environment around us, most importantly without judgment.
Being mindful doesn’t mean trying to control or change how you’re feeling or thinking. Instead, it’s about observing your emotions and thoughts as they arise, and allowing them to exist without labeling them as "good" or "bad." This allows you to experience life more presently and develop a greater awareness of how your thoughts influence your behaviors and reactions.
For example, when you’re eating a meal mindfully, you focus on the colors, textures, and tastes of the food, rather than scrolling through your phone. This simple practice can make eating more enjoyable and can help improve your relationship with food.
How does mindfulness help in counselling?
In counselling, mindfulness is often used as a therapeutic tool to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies have shown that mindfulness-based practices can help individuals break free from disruptive thought patterns and gain a sense of control over their emotions.
When we are mindful, we allow ourselves to step out of “autopilot” mode (where we react without thinking) and instead become more intentional in how we respond to life’s challenges. This can be incredibly empowering. It helps us recognize and address the root causes of negative emotions, rather than merely reacting to them.
For instance, individuals who practice mindfulness might notice when they’re starting to feel stressed or anxious and can choose to take a deep breath or pause, rather than reacting impulsively. Over time, mindfulness encourages a more balanced perspective, helping people to cultivate patience, self-compassion, and resilience.
The benefits of living mindfully:
Living mindfully is not about achieving a state of perpetual calm or always being “positive.” It’s about being fully engaged in the present, regardless of the circumstances. Here are a few ways mindfulness can benefit your life:
Improved Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness allows you to observe your emotions without being overwhelmed by them, giving you more control over how you react.
Reduced Stress: By focusing on the present moment, you can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress that come from worrying about the past or future.
Better Relationships: When you practice mindfulness, you’re more likely to listen attentively and respond with greater empathy, which strengthens your relationships.
Enhanced Focus and Clarity: Mindfulness helps you clear mental clutter, improving concentration and decision-making.
How to incorporate mini doses of mindfulness:
Mindfulness is something anyone can practice, and it doesn’t require hours of meditation. Start small with a few minutes each day. Try paying full attention to simple activities like breathing, walking, or eating. When taking a mindful walk try to engage the five senses by asking yourself:
What are five things I can see?
What are four things I can hear?
What are three things I can touch?
What are two things I can smell?
What is one thing I can taste?
Over time, you can incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine and notice the positive changes it brings to your life. By learning to live mindfully, you can create space for quietness and clarity in an often chaotic world. So, take a breath, be present, and allow yourself to truly experience life as it unfolds.
Written by Caitlin Hennessy (Flow State Space Counsellor)