Mindfulness as a Practice for Our Mental Health

Mindfulness is a very ancient practice. At its core, mindfulness involves paying deliberate and conscious attention to the present moment, without judging or being carried away by thoughts, worries, or distractions. It is about being fully present in the here and now, observing and experiencing what is happening in the present moment without clinging to the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness means becoming more aware of what is happening now, right here, in this moment and space.
Mindfulness has become a very popular technique because it helps us not to get entangled in our usual thoughts and emotions, which manifest in stress, depression, negative and recurrent thoughts, anger, resentment, or self-doubt. We can use it as a method to educate ourselves to be more:

• Alert – about our body, mind, and environment
• Present – in the moment, here and now
• Focused – more capable of making decisions about where or what our attention is focused on
• Accepting – yourself and others
  It is recommended to set aside time for this practice as well as to bring our mind, again and again, to the object of attention. You can use one or more of these sources for your focus of attention:
  Breath – the physical sensation of breathing
  Body – still or in motion
  Senses – listening, feeling, looking, tasting
  Thoughts – which include emotions
  The practice of mindfulness often involves meditation exercises and breathing techniques, but it can also be applied in daily life by consciously paying attention to everyday activities, such as eating, walking, or even just breathing. It is important to note that mindfulness is not about eliminating thoughts or emotions, but about observing them impartially and accepting them as they are, without judgment.
  If you are interested in learning more about mindfulness and its practice, contact your mental health professional. It is a technique that could significantly help in both personal and professional areas. I invite you to learn about mindfulness and enjoy the great benefits it offers.