Mindfulness

Mindfulness is about examining who we are, with questioning our view of the world...with being in touch...investigating inwardly our own nature as beings and, particularly, the nature of our own minds through careful and systematic self-observation. ..paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally. ..a diminished awareness of the present moment inevitably creates other problems for us as well through our unconscious and automatic actions and behaviors, often driven by deep-seated fears and insecurities. ..the habit of ignoring our present moments...leads directly to a pervasive lack of awareness... and understanding of our own mind and how it influences our perceptions and our actions. It severely limits our perspective on what it means ot be a person and how we are connected to each other and to the world around us...When we commit ourselves to paying attention in an open way, without falling prey to our own likes and dislikes, opinions and prejudices, projections and expectations, new possibilities open up and we have a chance to free ourselves from the straitjacket of unconsciousness. ..mindfulness will not conflict with any beliefs or traditions-- religious or for that matter scientific.. .it is simply a practical way to be more in touch with the fullness of your being through a systematic process of self-observation, self-inquiry, and mindful action…

Jon Kabat-Zinn