What is Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention on purpose in the present moment without judgment. It means maintaining a present-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, or surrounding environment. It is a scientifically proven approach that allows us to develop greater self-awareness and become more conscious, being gradually able to better handle anything that comes our way. We are more open to experience this life it all its dimensions and flavours, whether easy or hard, pleasant or stressful. Handling our emotions becomes easier as we develop a greater understanding and compassion for ourselves and others, which helps us enjoy more satisfying relationships and a happier life.
History & Evolution
Mindfulness based programs have been applied with proven results for the past 40 years in the Healthcare and Mental Care sector across the world. They are endorsed by the UK's National Health Service as treatment for stress, anxiety and depression (N.I.C.E. guidelines), while being recognized as a medical treatment by most US insurance companies. Mindfulness interventions are also used with great success by large multinational organizations (Google, Apple, Aetna, HSBC, Barklays, General Mills, Goldman Sachs, Intel, Nike etc), by many Universities (Oxford, Harvard, Lancaster, San Diego, NYU Stern etc) and hundreds of educational organizations.
Mindfulness & Neuroplasticity
Mindfulness has been proven to contribute to our brain's neuroplasticity, by modifying activity and grey matter density in specific brain regions such as for example:
Amygdala: regulates emotions and our response to stress activating the flight-fight-freeze reactions
Hippocampus: responsible for memory and learning
Prefrontal cortex: the most evolved region of the brain, responsible for more thoughtful responses and advanced decision-making
Scientifically Proven Mindfulness Benefits
Over 6.000 published scientific studies in the last 40 years have proven that mindfulness
interventions yield multiple positive benefits.
Physical
Increases sense of wellbeing
Improves sleep quality and duration
Improves pain management
Helps regulate blood pressure
Reduces chronic stress symptoms
Strengthens immune system
Mental
Improves focus and attention
Boosts memory
Improves creativity
Improves effectiveness
Boosts communication skills
Emotional
Reduces stress and anxiety
Helps manage difficult situations
Cultivates empathy
Boosts self-confidence
Improves interpersonal relationships
Reduces symptoms of depression
"MINDFULNESS IS BEING PRESENT, WITHOUT JUDGEMENT, IN EVERY MOMENT."
JON KABAT-ZINN