A life skill backed up by neuroscience
Mindfulness is our human capacity to pay attention to the present moment with curiosity and care
In other words, it is about being intentionally present and awake to the happenings around us, as well as our own inner landscape - while not automatically judging and reacting in unhelpful ways.
The practice is a life skill that profoundly changes how we relate to ourselves, others and our external environment. It can benefit anyone who would like to be more connected with the present and thus lead a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life.
The mindfulness field has been studied extensively over the last decades, and is being recognised as an effective intervention for improving wellbeing & resilience.
Explore our blog on why mindfulness is relevant today more than ever💡
Training our minds to be present makes us happier
You may have noticed moments in your life when you are simply not there - not present. This happens when your mind is disconnected from the direct experience of the moment.
Perhaps while being in a conversation with someone and repeatedly asking: ‘can you say that again’, or impulsively over-reacting when someone disturbs you from a task you are engaged with, or habitually telling yourself: ‘I’m not good enough’, when an uncomfortable situation arises.
In fact, we are often swept away by our thoughts, in this ‘auto-pilot’ mode, for about 47% of the time.
💡Harvard University Study 2010 (Killingsworth & Gilbert)
This mind wandering that we all experience and moments of reactive, judgemental behaviour are natural human patterns that are hard-wired in our brain. It takes a repetitive form of meditation or mind-training, to break such habitual patterns, or rewire our brain.
So with practice, you learn to skilfully regulate your attention and emotions, to transform your life for the better. In fact, the same study concluded that training the mind to be fully present, makes us indeed happier people!
We are able to rewire our brain by becoming more skilful in choosing our focus of attention
💡In neuroscience jargon, the process of rewiring our brain, is called ‘neuroplasticity’
There is extensive evidence that meditation practice can develop new neural pathways in the brain that are connected to our mental ability to notice, focus and redirect unhelpful thoughts. This is self-regulation at work..
Research * shows that regular practice can activate the brain part that is responsible for concentration, reflection, empathy, learning and decision making, while having better control over the part of the brain that is responsible for reactive impulses, stress and anxiety.
In fact, this 'brain integration’ process (Dan Siegel MD) is what allows you to become more attentive to present thoughts, emotions and sensations, which in turn give you the signal to make a conscious pause - to regain inner calm, before you decide on the next best course of action. This process is what builds your inner resilience.
So, here’s the good news, it all lies within your own hands. You have the ability to train your mind to change your brain to become happier, more focused, emotionally balanced and resilient. It is just like training any other muscle in your body.
It’s worth giving it a try ..
Tara Brach Phd. on brain integration and ‘how mindfulness training can help change your brain for the better’ - 4 min video
* 💡 University of Pennsylvania article (2011) sums up some key research in this area