Scientific reasons supporting Mindfulness-Based Initiatives (MBIs) ​

Reducing stress levels 
Neurological research indicates excess stress causes many illnesses, often exasperating other conditions. Mindfulness decreases stress whilst boosting well-being. (https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2018.130401)
Focusing the Mind & Appreciating each Moment 
It is frustrating to have our mind stray off what we’re doing and be pulled in
multiple directions. Meditation hones our innate ability to focus.(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6088366/)
Understanding Pain & Suffering
Pain is inevitable, a fact of life. Yet, it doesn’t have to rule you. Mindfulness can help ~reshaping your relationship with mental & physical pain. An excellent resource site is (https://www.mindful.org/point-of-view-when-vulnerability-and-trauma-collide/)
Connecting & Relationships
Ever find yourself in a daze? Staring blankly at a friend, partner, child with no idea what they’re saying? Mindfulness cultivates attentive skills, inspiring mindful communication (https://www.mindful.org/sharon-salzberg-connect-with-kindness/)
Reducing Brain Overload & learning Self- Compassion
The nattering, chattering voice in our head seems never to leave us alone. Isn’t it time we
gave it a little break? (https://www.mindful.org/remedies-for-your-anxious-mind/)

Mindfulness is the Awareness that arise from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally, to things as they are. (Jon Kabat-Zinn)

​“Attention is the rarest & purest from of generosity" (Phlilosopher Simone Well)

The marvel of mindfulness is that it revitalizes whilst reminding us that attention is a gift worth giving ourselves. 
About 47% of waking hours is spent thinking about what isn’t going on- That’s a lot of time spent in Distraction! 
As an alternative, Mindfulness is about paying attention to present moment experience with open compassionate curiosity
and a willingness to be with what is. Mindfulness is both a form of Mental training & a life practice- it enables cultivation of spacious awareness. So what? Overall the tone of Mindfulness practices is gentle, appreciative & nurturing... YET Spacious Awareness is not easy- ​it means- facing 'the Good, the Bad & Ugly!' of experience. Mindful Practices can help - as they
​nurture a sense of pause & stillness even in the midst of hectic activity. In turn this empowers people to recognize personal patterns of their own (Un)helpful behaviours. Such spacious awareness is powerful & has an impact - 
​
"There is a Space, in that space lies our Power to choose, in the Response lies our Growth & our Freedom." Frankl​. 

* The Small Print - Symbiosis of Mind-Heart-Body 
From my experience, the 3 elements of INTENTION, ATTENTION & AWARENESS  undoubtedly energize & cultivate Mindfulness. However,  I also believe firmly that a much underrated element is Sense of Surprise & Wonder - Humans have an adaptive appreciation for exploration, for curiosity but also one for a sense of surprise- this does not mean the surprise that awaits is always welcomed or comfortable but they are authentic experiences. In turn this  expands and strengthens our self- understanding & adds to our Inner resources, cultivating resiliency stage by stage. This is vital as Yes- Mindful Spacious Awareness holds many areas of psychological & physiological benefits  BUT it also has pitfalls and holds risk too. This is the reason you need to become WISE to your unique Inner Landscape, listening attentive to the heart-body-mind symbiosis~ Pausing & Choosing whether it is the right time? Acknowledging - this is your journey and you are assuming a powerful role in your own Health & Well-being.. 

​L​ife is a daring adventure~ filled with array of experiences, some can be Challenging & at times Lonely! So, here are just a few simple Mindful Moments that may help remind us of our zest for living & create energy to allow us to attune & deal with the vivid variety that constitutes the Spectrum of living!

We are not Robots- We are Social Beings. We carve connection! So, try to break some of that unhelpful programming -Stop, notice, recognize & respond by changing a few of those unhelpful habitual patterns.... 
​Try tuning into & making use of that Mindfulness Frequency. Use it to help Remind you it is 'not selfish' to take space nor time to stop & ask yourself- 'how are you?'  Be Compassionate to yourself. Look out your window-(Connect with nature).Care for yourself (savour that cappaccino/tea/juice)! Share with others (a simple 'smile' just to let them know - WE are NOT alone). It takes a moment but can change so much... 

I recognize the Pragmatist living within!
I am compelled to continually explore my understanding of mindfulness by experimenting with its use in daily life ~ And so, I always enjoy sharing clips I feel get to the heart of a concept!
Of course It’s not all Mindfulness can ever be but to me it is a kind of
superpower latent within each of us. As an Educator I can only smile & say Dan Harris explains elements of mindfulness using simplicity & humour. 
See what you think....

To me, Mindfulness is...
Compassionate, Appreciative & Attentive Awareness -Heartfulness
​So catch & tune into those mindful moment!