VISION ON MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness refers to the intentional act of bringing one’s attention to the present moment, where the so much looked-after-answers are at hand. The term itself derives from the Pali-term sati, an essential part of the Buddhist practice of being aware, while being conscious of the link between the body and the mind. By practicing mindfulness, humans can enhance their well-being and well perceived health.

In our modern world, Mindfulness can be defined as the moment-by-moment realization of thoughts, awareness of our feelings and correlated body reactions, without passing any judgements of right or wrong doing. The best way to be mindful is to go out of your mind. I’ve been out of my mind for years. I read a quote once that said you can’t see the picture as long as you are in the frame. You can’t be mindful if you’re in your mind. You have to become the observer, to question your thoughts. Ask yourself, “Whose thoughts are these? Are they really mine?”

Mindfulness emphasizes the present as being the only one to help people out, with no attached feelings of guilt related to the past or feelings of angst related to the future. Reexamine your paradigms made out of your old beliefs. Question everything fresh each moment. Your beliefs of last year, even last week, may not be what serves you anymore. Renew your thoughts as you renew your breaths and your heartbeats.

Since thoughts create your reality, and if you want to create a new reality, you have to concoct new and different thoughts. They have to be aligned with your mind and soul.

Being present means being mindful, and that can only happen if we are conscious of the thoughts we concoct and we act intentionally with grace, love, and aplomb.

About Gail Simard

Gail Simard lives in New Brunswick, Canada. After leaving the corporate world, she became a coach, healer, teacher and a world traveler. Gail considers herself a possibilitarian, and when asked what she does, her response is “whatever it takes.” In the past few years, she has lived in Bali, Sweden, Spain, and Costa Rica, but she always comes home to her place on the river, where she watches beautiful sunsets, relaxes, and plans her next adventure.