Mindfulness doesn’t involve sitting on a pillow and becoming one with the universe. It is about realizing how much suffering, greed, and delusion exist in our world. Kabat Zinn states that mindfulness can help you become more aware of these realities.
Practice mindfulness without suppressing it
One of the most important aspects to mindfulness is your ability to bring your attention back to the present moment. You can practice this by exploring your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It is important to recognize that we aren't always in control of our thoughts and emotions. Avoiding negative thoughts is not a wise idea. This will actually give your mind more energy in a subsequent moment.
Although you can't stop all negative thoughts, regular mindfulness can help identify them. This will allow you to pause, think and decide what you want to do rather than reacting. Mindfulness can help you manage situations that might normally make it difficult to be calm and happy.
Observe how one perceives and reacts to sensory objects
Sensory processing involves the observation of one's responses and perceptions to sensory objects. This involves the use sensory receptors that detect sensory stimuli, and then organize these sensations in a mental model. All sensory systems have absolute and difference thresholds, or the smallest difference between stimuli that can activate a sensory system. These thresholds explain how people perceive things. But perceptions are also influenced by beliefs, values, culture, and life experiences.
A global mindfulness movement
Corporate mindfulness is a popular way for companies improve employee well being. This movement began among tech companies and has been adopted by many established US and European businesses, as well government agencies. Companies, whether they are Google, Aetna or Beiersdorf, are beginning to see the benefits mindfulness can bring to employee engagement.
Studies have shown that mindfulness practices can help improve your mental and emotional health. The effects of mindfulness can be felt not just by the individuals who practice it, but also by the community around them. For example, it improves the skills of emergency workers, police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other volunteer workers. It improves cognitive flexibility and helps communities and individuals cope with stress.