Mindfulness Knowing and Doing
Updated: May 3, 2023
Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens. (Kabat-Zinn, 1979) The “moment-by-moment” practice of tuning-in with “a gentle, nurturing lens” is what stands out to me the most about Kabat-Zinn's definition. What stands out to you?
Although we are taught to tune-in without judgment as social workers, I often find myself struggling to apply these skills to myself. Do you know this struggle?
What do you need to support your efforts to maintain mindful awareness while navigating life, work and the pursuit of wellness?
Getting to Know Mindfulness
The research on mindfulness has shown that it helps reduce stress levels, increase relaxation, and our ability to take care of ourselves. So, what else is there to know? According to Jon Kabat-Zinn there are seven key attitudes of mindfulness.
7 Key Attitudes of Mindfulness
Non-judging. Be an impartial witness to your own experience. Become aware of the constant stream of judging and reacting to inner and outer experience.
Patience. A form of wisdom, patience demonstrates that we accept the fact that things sometimes unfold in their own time.
Allow for this Beginner’s Mind. Remaining open and curious allows us to be receptive to new possibilities and prevents us from getting stuck in the rut of our own expertise
Trust. Develop a basic trust with yourself and your feelings. Know it’s OK to make mistakes
Non-Striving. The goal is to be with yourself right here, right now. Pay attention to what is unfolding without trying to change anything
Acceptance. See things as they are. This sets the stage for acting appropriately in your life no matter what is happening
Letting Go. When we pay attention to our inner experience, we discover there are certain thoughts, emotions and situations the mind wants to hold onto.
Here are some specific resources to help you "know" more about mindfulness, social work, and self-care:
The Chopra website includes self-care information, master classes and much more. Chopra's mission is to build healthy lives with healthy habits
Are you ready to take the next step in creating and activating your mindfulness practice?
Mindfulness Doing
Mindfulness is available to us in every moment, but knowing this doesn't make it a reality in our lives. Our activation of mindful practices is where the magic happens. How do you create your mindfulness practice? Start small, design a doable practice, and find an accountability group. You got this! By deliberately practicing mindful behaviors, you can activate a more positive emotional state and lifestyle of wellness. Let's start today.
What will your deliberate practice look like?
Maybe it's as simple as asking yourself a few self-reflection questions, journaling about them, or discussion them with a friend or therapist. This Mellow Woman Blog, 25 Mindfulness Questions For Adults, suggest that you think about a few at a time, or choose one to focus on each day such as:
What am I feeling?
What do I need right now?
What is my definition of success?
How can I show myself and others compassion today?
How can I be more present today?
Here are some additional resources to help you practice mindfulness NOW!
Download the Chopra: Meditation & Well-being app and take well-being with you wherever you go.
You might eventually design your own custom mindfulness practice, but that is not a starting requirement. Do NOT create that barrier for yourself.
What are you waiting for?
In my life and work I have come to know (sometimes the hard way) that mindfulness doing is essential to my pursuit of comprehensive wellness. You don't need special credentials for these pursuits. Our home is blessed by my husband training as a Chopra certified meditation instructor, but it is transformed by our deliberate practice of mindfulness.
What impact can mindfulness have on your home, work, life?
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