Why Mindfulness Matters
"With mindfulness, you can establish yourself in the present in order to touch the wonders of life that are available in that moment." - Thich Nhat Hanh
Health Benefits
When we bring our focus to the now, we can see and touch the wonders of life that exist in every moment. We usually have too much to do, and stopping to pause can seem close to impossible. It can be difficult to be present, but there are many benefits to bringing our awareness to the present moment.
The application of mindfulness to health in western medicine started in the 1970s with Jon Kabat-Zinn. Since then, Mindfulness has continued to be studied and researched in many institutions across the United States. It is not uncommon to see mindfulness practiced in public schools, universities, and corporations. There is evidence for many health benefits that come with practicing mindfulness, including aid in depression, insomnia, high blood pressure, chronic pain, and addiction. Studies show that mindful practice can improve your sleep and aid in anxiety.
Research
Research shows that the practice of mindfulness may physically change the brain. In a 2012 study, researchers compared brain images from 50 adults who meditate and 50 who do not meditate. They found more folds in the brain for those who do practice meditation which may increase the brain’s ability to process information.
Mindfulness is a mental awareness of one’s moment-to-moment experience, and has been empirically associated with psychological well-being. Studies show that mindfulness can be an antidote for psychological distress including rumination, anxiety, worry, fear, and anger. There are many rewards that come with bringing our attention to the present moment, which benefit ourselves and the world around us.
Finding Gratitude
When we are able to pause and pay attention to what is happening, we can slow down and more fully appreciate a moment. Gratitude and mindfulness are connected, as fully soaking in a moment brings the opportunity to notice more of the goodness in life. There are many benefits to pausing and choosing to be aware of the present.
“It is about stopping and being present, that is all. Mostly we run around doing. Are you able to come to stop in your life, even for one moment? The funny thing about stopping is that as soon as you do it, here you are. And the stopping making the going more vivid, richer, more textured.”
-Jon Kabat-Zinn
All the best, Danielle
Article Summary
Mindfulness matters because it impacts our health.
Studies have shown mindfulness to aid in: depression, insomnia, high blood pressure, chronic pain, addiction, sleep and anxiety.
Research also shows that mindfulness can be the antidote for psychological distress.
Mindfulness can cultivates gratitude.
