What Does Mindfulness Even Mean?
While there is cave art that dates back to 5000 years ago that depicts meditation, it was only a few years ago that the word 'meditation' became a common part of our vocabulary. It is only now, in the 20th century, that people in the Western world have begun to talk about meditation regularly and casually.
With the increasing popularity of meditation, you may know the word, but do you know what it really means?
Shockingly, meditation is not a word that is easily defined. Every dictionary proposes a vague explanation of a discourse meant to allow one to consider, contemplate, and reflect.
While this isn’t inaccurate, it leaves a lot left unsaid.
When we turn to the experts, David Ludwig and John Kabat-Zinn prefer to focus on the root word of mindfulness as it “refers to a meditation practice that cultivates present moment awareness.” They are also intentional about the inclusion of having a non-judgmental manner during the practice.
The truth is, mindfulness is actually something we’ve all done, whether we realize it or not.
You might not have sat on a rock overlooking the ocean with perfectly folded legs and a tall spine, remaining completely still and unbothered as mosquitos nip at you, BUT you probably have laughed so hard you cried (or maybe even peed a little).
That’s mindfulness.
In that split second, you were completely present. You were fully there.
People think meditation is impossible, but that’s because they don’t understand what meditation really is. It’s the culmination of these split-seconds, until you can create a practice.
Yes, you should try to sit still each day and meditate, but you don't HAVE to start there.
You can start with stopping in the middle of your day and taking 3 deep breaths.
You can start by eating breakfast with no technology, no distractions, and just noticing each bite you chew.
You can start by putting your phone down and saying ‘yes’ the next time your child asks you to play.
The idea of having to be still paralyzes us from even beginning. Simply start. Over time you may take those 3 deep breaths and turn them into 3 minutes, then 13 minutes, and then 30 minutes.
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References
Ludwig, D., & Kabat-Zinn, J. (2008). Mindfulness in Medicine. American Medical Association, 300(11), 1350-1352. Doi:10.1001Puff, R. (2013, July 07). An overview of meditation: Its origins and traditions. Retrieved March 01, 2021, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/meditation-modern-life/201307/overview-meditation-its-origins-and-traditionsUse of yoga and Meditation becoming more popular in U.S. (2018, November 08). Retrieved March 01, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2018/201811_Yoga_Meditation.htm