Remain mindful
The practice of mindfulness is being discussed a lot nowadays in many circles. With this one realises that what is eternal remains valid always, so it is always beneficial to examine ancient traditions. This particular tradition shows us the power of focusing on a particular area in our mind and making our mind calm and serene and avoid it directions.
As most of us know, a tool remains useful and powerful only when it remains a tool and never the master. This is important from childhood till the end of our lives which is why many psychologists are still studying its importance. This is a never-ending study in the study of humanity.
Rooted in ancient Buddhist traditions but now widely embraced in modern psychology, mindfulness helps reduce stress, enhance focus, and cultivate inner peace.
Key Principles of Mindfulness:
Awareness – The key is the "here and now" rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Non-Judgmental Observation – Notice thoughts and emotions without labeling them as "good" or "bad."
Acceptance – Allow experiences to be as they are, without resistance. Breath as an Anchor – Use the breath to ground yourself when the mind wanders.
Simple Mindfulness Practices:
Mindful Breathing – Take slow, deep breaths, noticing the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. This is in fact the source of many ancient types of meditation.
Body Scan – Our body is also a key tool of ours that we must give enough importance to. Hence, this also needs to be taken note of. Gradually bring awareness to each part of your body, releasing tension.
Mindful Eating – Even doctors and nutritionists recommend going slow while eating to aid health and digestion. Naturally, awareness is essential here. So, savor each bite, paying attention to taste, texture, and smell.
Meditation while walking – Walking is an activity that most of us do many times a day. It makes sense therefore to combine being mindful while we do this.
Benefits of Mindfulness:
✔ Reduces stress and anxiety ✔ Improves emotional regulation ✔ Enhances focus and clarity ✔ Deepens self-awareness ✔ Strengthens resilience
Humanity itself has progressed by studying itself, working on the weak points and enhacing the stronger points. One must never cease doing this as it would make us stagnant like a rock. Here, mindfulness is a great tool.
Essentially, Mindfulness is not about emptying the mind but about observing it with kindness and curiosity. With regular practice, it becomes a way of life—a gentle return to the present moment, again and again. As we know, excess of anything is not healthy. In fact. a tamil proverb when translated loosely says even nectar can be poison when in excess. In a fast-paced world, this seems to be happening hence, I would suggest we make mindfulness a part of who we are to lead a holistic, calm and peaceful life instead of adding stress as a factor unnecessarily for, even finding solutions to problems requires a peaceful mind.
By Jamuna Rangachari
