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Mindfulness is the ability to focuses on increasing present moment awareness, the here and now experience, which is the foundation for mindfulness based stress reduction. The purpose of mindfulness is to recognize and accept reality as is, without prejudice from emotional reactions or mental distortions; without answering to automatic behavioral patterns which only adds stress.

Mindfulness may be defined as intentionally paying attention to present-moment experience in a non-judgmental way and thereby cultivating a stable and non-reactive awareness. It is a state of sustained attention to these ongoing mental contents and processes without thinking about, comparing, or in other ways evaluating them. In mindfulness meditation attention is brought to notice whatever thoughts, feelings, and sensations are appearing in awareness, while at the same time remaining aware of the capacity to maintain the focus of attention on these contents, or to deliberately redirect attention to a wider field of awareness or to a different object. Bringing these mental processes under greater voluntary control and directing them in beneficial ways fosters psychological and physical well being, giving one a greater sense of control, and thoughts and feelings no longer threaten to overwhelm him/her.

Mindfulness based stress reduction begins when you make the decision to step outside of the drama of your life and become a conscious observer instead. You begin to experience life through your senses rather than reacting to challenges and feeling like a victim. A sense of peacefulness and well-being takes over and stress is reduced. You can experience life this way any time and anywhere you choose. It doesn’t matter if what is happening around you is positive or negative; you will begin to find peace in everything that you do.

If you decide to take a seated position for your mindfulness practice, simply become aware of the current moment. Experience what is happening right now and allow any negative emotions of fear, anger or anxiety to dissolve. Mindfulness teaches you how to become conscious of what is happening around you, in your life and in your environment. You are able to take life in stride and respond to challenges in a more productive and positive way when you become an observer of your life.

The major benefits of this type of meditation practice are that you will become less stressed thereby improving your overall sense of health and well-being. Our society is so caught up in the rush of moving from one activity to another while life is passing us by. By taking each moment at a time and becoming more mindful, you can begin to enjoy even the most mundane activities in your day. Remember, the past is gone, the future isn’t here yet and the present is a gift. Try this type of meditation and see if it resonates with you.

The bottom line is that mindfulness based stress reduction and other meditative are helpful and demonstrate how changing the mind can influence the body. And best of all there are no side effects!