What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the awareness that arises when we carefully observe what we experience in the present moment, with kindness and an accepting attitude, without judgment. It is a scientifically proven approach supported by over 6,000 published scientific studies, which have shown that it helps develop skills that allow us to maintain our mental balance even in difficult times. It involves focusing attention on bodily sensations, thoughts, emotions, or the environment, as well as consciously practicing the cultivation of positive feelings such as kindness, compassion, and empathy.
History & evolution
Mindfulness-based programs have been successfully implemented for over 40 years in the fields of Health and Mental Health worldwide. They have been recognized by the UK's National Health Service (NHS, N.I.C.E. guidelines) as an official mental health treatment for managing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, and are also recognized as an official medical treatment by insurance companies. Mindfulness applications are used by major corporations (Google, Apple, Aetna, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Barclays, General Mills, Intel, Nike, etc.), universities (Oxford, Harvard, Lancaster, San Diego, etc.), and thousands of educational institutions.
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The brain and neuroplasticity
The majority of our programs are based on the scientific practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness has been shown to contribute to the brain's neuroplasticity, altering the activity and density of gray matter in specific areas of the brain in ways that help us respond better to stressful situations, be more focused, creative, and effective.
More specifically, it increases the activity and density of gray matter in areas of the brain responsible for concentration, memory, learning, and feelings of joy, while reducing brain activity in areas responsible for stress reactions, anxiety, and depression—such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.
Scientifically proven benefits of mindfulness
Physical benefits
Increased sense of well-being
Improvement in sleep disorders
Better pain management
Regulation of blood pressure
Reduction of stress symptoms
Over 6,000 published scientific studies from the last 40 years have proven that the practice of mindfulness has benefits on many levels.
Mental benefits
Improvement in focus & attention
Enhancement of memory
Boost in creativity
Increase in efficiency
Improvement in communication skills
Emotional benefits
Reduction of stress & anxiety
Better management of challenging situations
Cultivation of empathy
Boost in self-confidence
Improvement in interpersonal relationships