Last time I wrote about mindfulness and why I believe it\’s an important life skill to teach our children.  When practiced regularly it can increase self-esteem, improve focus and concentration and reduce anxiety and depression.  What\’s not to like?  But what exactly is mindfulness and how do you do it?

Mindfulness vs Meditation

These two terms are often used interchangeably which can cause a lot of confusion but there are differences.

Mindfulness is an informal practice that can be done anywhere and at any time.  It simply means bringing yourself into the present moment and focussing your full awareness on whatever you\’re doing at the time.  Full awareness means using all five senses (where possible) to fully immerse yourself in the experience instead of doing it on autopilot whilst lost in thought.

So if you\’re out walking, look around you and notice what you can see.  Notice what sounds you can hear, what smells there are.  Feel your feet on the ground, your clothes touching your skin, perhaps a breeze through your hair.  Can you taste anything?  Allow your curiosity to come out.

Try it while you\’re eating or doing the washing up, brushing your teeth or having a shower.  Try listening mindfully when someone is talking to you.  They\’ll notice and will appreciate it.

When I remember to be mindful during a normally \’mindless\’ activity, I generally find that the experience is richer and more interesting and I feel calmer and more relaxed.  Don\’t forget to talk your kids through these exercises.  They\’ll love it and will likely find it easier than you do as they have a natural curiosity for the life.

Mindfulness meditation is a more formal practice that involves setting aside a period of time to practice inner awareness.  It generally involves focussing your attention on something such as your breathing or a candle flame while allowing your thoughts to come and go.  This is also a mindfulness practice but it is a mindfulness of what is happening internally rather than externally.  When we practice mindfulness meditation it can give us a greater understanding of how our mind works – in essence we get to know ourselves better.  It also helps us to develop self-compassion as we learn to notice our thoughts and feelings without judging them.