What Does it Mean to Be Mindful?

January 2023

By: Remi Mankes, Clinical Intern

What Does it Mean to Be Mindful?

Mindfulness is the human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Mindfulness is paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in the present moment. It's a way of training your mind to be more focused and aware of what's happening around you. When we engage in mindfulness, we're not judging our experiences or getting caught up in negative feelings. We're simply observing what's happening in the present moment, without attaching any labels. Being mindful can help us cope with stress and anxiety, improve our focus and concentration, and even reduce pain levels. It also enhances our ability to handle negative emotions such as anger or sadness and really feel our emotions fully. Mindfulness can be practiced in many different ways: through meditation, yoga, or tai chi; by doing everyday activities like walking or being outdoors; or by using mindfulness apps on your smartphone or computer!

In times when we feel overwhelmed or overstimulated, practicing mindfulness strategies and exercises can be a pivotal tool to bring us back to a state of emotional regulation. Being mindful can be as simple as focusing on one thing at a time and being intentional in slowing down. One thing about mindfulness, it is available to us at any point in time we might need it. Practicing mindfulness today, whether that means taking time to yourself, engaging in breathing exercises, or just taking a walk; being practicing mindfulness in ways that feel right to you.