Why mindfulness is a hidden superpower

Mindfulness is defined as the awareness and non-judgmental observation of the present moment. It is often stated that we only experience the present moment and thus our ability to remain present, in the present, is paramount in how much we are able to get out of our lives.

There is something special about Eastern philosophies. Oftentimes, they are seen as spiritual, hippy, and unscientific. This is until the evidence comes out in support of such practices. One of these includes mindfulness. Mindfulness, also known as, present moment meditation is simply using one’s consciousness to become aware of, observe and accept the experience of what is happening right now, the present moment.

The benefit of this style of meditation is that it can be performed anywhere and anytime; when you are eating, going for a walk, making dinner, talking to someone, heck even when having sex. This type of daily mindfulness is known as an informal practice. On the other hand, a formal practice is categorised as one with a systemic approach. For example, taking a 10minute block to observe the breath upon waking.

Mindfulness can include the observation of either the internal or external senses

o Internal or interoception (perception of the internal senses) can include observing our thoughts, feelings, our heartbeat, breathing, anything that occurs within the body.

o External or exteroception (perception of the external senses) can include sounds, colours, texture, warmth, taste, smell, anything that is happening occurring within the external world.

By observing both internal and external sensations, we come to realise that the time we have now is incredibly special. It comes and it goes (awfully fast). If we are eating a meal and really noticing the taste with each mouthful, we realise that with each moment in which we taste the food, the taste and pleasure associated with it are gone almost instantly as the ‘next’ present moment appears.

It can be quite scary and hard to come to terms with the idea that we only ever experience the present moment, that the future and the past do not exist. They simply exist as thoughts and in our imagination. Despite this, we can also see it as something incredibly empowering. We are not the product of our past (well, to a certain extent) and we are free to choose our future from this moment as of right now! Who is to decide who you are or where you want to end up? You are free to decide your future because the past has already happened! It has no influence on the present moment, the only thing that influences what you choose to do right now, is what you choose to do right now!

“The past is history, the future never arrives, the only place where we experience life is in the present”

“What is past is left behind. The future is as yet unreached. Whatever quality is present you clearly see right there, right there” – Buddha

Benefits of mindfulness

If not living in the present moment is enough of a motivator to get you to practice mindfulness the psychological benefits should!! It is documented in scientific studies that mindfulness enhances emotional regulation, decreases emotional reactivity, and increases adaptive emotional responses, as well as improving interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. https://www.habitualroots.com/uploads/1/2/1/3/121341739/whatarethebenefitsofmindfulness_1.pdf

By practicing mindfulness, it allows us to be aware of our own thoughts and feelings and to realise that we are not these things, we are simply the observer. This realisation is incredibly liberating and thus allows individuals to let go, to detach and to reduce their suffering. This detachment allows for changes in perception and cognition which has downstream effects on thoughts, feelings, behaviour, and our experience in the world.

From a neurological point of view, it is known that meditation which includes mindfulness practices, decreases default mode network (DMN) activity within the brain. This reduces mind wandering which is associated with unhappiness.

Mindfulness not only has psychological benefits but also physiological ones. Researchers continue to fine that mindfulness reduces a variety of stress related markers- heart rate, blood pressure, inflammatory indicators, cortisol etc. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28863392/

Because of the wonderful ability for the brain to rewire itself (neuroplasticity), the effects of mindfulness still impact oneself beyond the act of intentionally doing it. It trains the brain to become more aware and to live in the present moment, thus allowing us to make the most of our lives because at the end of the day, we only have the present moment. Life is happening right now, not in a desired future or in the faraway past.

Awareness begins with you

"Be where you are, otherwise you will miss your life" - Buddha

"Mindfulness isn't difficult, we just need to remember to do" - Sharon Saltzberg

If we want to make any change in our lives, it starts with mindfulness. We must be aware of what is holding us back- whether it’s limiting beliefs or another irrational thought. The only way to overcome them is to be aware. After all, how can we change something if we are not aware of it? This is why mindfulness is the hidden superpower in everyone that must be cultivated.

Be present and appreciate the moment in the present. Now for a quick call to action. After reading this, observe your thoughts and how you feel. Observe the colours, really observe how red a red is or how blue the blue is, how warm or cold the air is. Bring your awareness back to the present moment, out of the past and future in the form of thoughts and imagination.