Have you ever been told to “stay in the present moment”? That is easier said than done! In this blog we will explore what it means to be mindful and some tools to help you practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness is defined by two key factors:
First, being non-judgmental is a core component of mindfulness and has been noted as the most difficult. Non-judgement can be described as not attaching words such as “good” or “bad” to your thoughts, feelings, emotions, or experiences. Instead of using “good” or “bad” you can use “pleasant” or “unpleasant”, “helpful” or “unhelpful”, “skillful” or “unskillful”, “dark” or “bright”; this helps you describe what you are experiencing in a more objective, clear way rather than labeling in a less descriptive, judgement-based way of “good” or “bad”.
Second, mindfulness involves engaging in the present moment with your thoughts, feelings, emotions, and/or bodily sensations. What does this fancy language mean? It means engaging the world through your 5 senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste) and also noticing the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that pop up.
Being in the present and not judging what you are experiencing can be powerful. For example, if you make a mistake on the field, court, or during a test, mindfulness simply asks you to notice that your fists and jaws are clenched, notice you are feeling sweat dripping down your forehead, or notice your thoughts are starting to tell you that you are a terrible player or student. You are observing what is happening and using the word noticing to describe what is happening within your mind and body. What you are experiencing is not “good” or “bad”, it is simply your experience. Why judge something you are going to experience anyway?
Mindfulness Tools:
Headspace or Calm apps
STOP
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