What is Mindfulness, and how can it help me?
Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment—without rushing to change it. It invites us to tune into our thoughts, sensations and surroundings, not to judge or fix them but simply to notice. It’s less about emptying the mind and more about befriending it—anchoring ourselves in the here and now, especially through ordinary rituals like walking, eating or breathing. As life becomes ever more frenetic, the gift of being in the moment offers a slowing down of time and an opportunity to reset the agitated nervous system.
Mindfulness itself isn’t new—it’s rooted in ancient Buddhist and yogic traditions. But it was brought into Western awareness by Jon Kabat-Zinn, an American scientist with a curiosity for contemplative practice and a knack for translating Zen meditation principles into practical and secular techniques. His Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program turned everyday purposeful attention into a healing tool, helping people meet stress and pain with presence rather than resistance. In the decades since he first brought mindfulness to the attention of western medicine, research has shown that it can help in reducing stress, anxiety, depression and chronic pain as well as improving emotional regulation, focus, resilience and sleep quality.
It’s important to say though that it’s not a one-size-fits-all remedy; while mindfulness invites presence and grounding, it can also stir discomfort, especially for some individuals who have experienced trauma or psychosis. For some, the stillness of mindfulness may feel more like exposure than safety. That’s not failure—it’s a reminder that our nervous systems seek repair in unique ways. So if the stillness or silence of mindfulness feels jagged or disorienting, pause. Shift the focus. Try a different technique. Or let it go.
First steps into mindful practice
If you’re curious about whether mindfulness might be helpful for you, then there are some very simple ways to start—no yoga mats or candles required! It doesn’t need to start with silence or sitting still. It can begin with curiosity, sensation or even just a breath. Here are a few ways to invite presence into the rush of daily life.
- Touch-based anchors. Try tracing the texture of a leaf, warm mug or fabric—let your fingers explore rather than trying to rationalise or explain.
- Soundscapes. Open a window, pause at a street corner or rest in a park. Let the sounds find you. Which ones feel like background? Which ones tug at your attention?
- Movement as Meditation. Rocking, swaying, walking slowly—movement can soothe where stillness cannot. Even brushing teeth or folding clothes can hold a rhythm.
- Sensory Rituals. Engage fully with one tiny thing: a raisin, a piece of chocolate, a sip of coffee. Let texture, temperature and taste take centre stage.
- Micro-Moments of Pause. Before sending a message, stepping into a room or replying in conversation—just breathe, for one breath. A soft inhale between moments.
- Relational Mindfulness. Listen for tone, warmth, cadence in voices. Notice not just what is said but how it lands in your body. Attunement is mindfulness too.
- Bring Awareness to Language. Notice the habitual words you use—“busy,” “should,” “fine.” Invite questions: What do I mean? What could I choose instead?
- Somatic Awareness. Bring your attention to a part of your body—perhaps your feet or your wrists. Notice their temperature and position. Gently move them, noticing how the movement feels.
Mindfulness isn’t about getting it right—it’s about returning, again and again, to what’s here. Whether it’s a raisin held thoughtfully between your fingers, a breath between meetings, or the quiet noticing of a kind word exchanged, these tiny acts of attention make space for something deeper. In a world that rushes, mindfulness slows us down—not to escape, but to arrive. And maybe, in these small arrivals, something begins to repair.
Next steps
If you’d like to learn more about mindful awareness and other aspects of stress management, I’d be glad to hear from you—please feel free to get in touch to arrange an appointment.
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