What is mindfulness?

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Mindfulness is learning to direct our attention to our experience as it unfolds, moment by moment, with open minded curiosity, kindness and acceptance. Rather than worrying about what has happened, or what might happen next, it trains us to respond skilfully to whatever is happening right now, be that good or bad.

Mindfulness in Schools Project

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What are the benefits of mindfulness?

Mindfulness has been shown to improve our health and wellbeing on many levels. As well as increasing our creativity, it can also reduce everyday stresses, improve relationships, help with exam nerves and remind us to notice the better moments in our lives.

Mindfulness can improve our health and well-being
An important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations we experience. In achieving this, we can identify when we need to pause, or change what we are doing to help ourselves.

Learning made easier
Mindfulness trains our mind to focus our attention away from the distractions of our surroundings, positively affecting how we learn.

Thinking clearly
As distractions fail to distract, we become more aware of our own thoughts and the path they take.

Improving performance
Naturally, as our thoughts become clearer, our ability to complete tasks improves and we gain confidence in our abilities.

Feel calmer
Now we can dismiss those distractions, and are aware of the direction our thoughts are taking, we have more control over our actions and emotions.

Getting a handle on anxiety and depression
Anxiety and often depression are typically caused by repetitive negative thoughts. In acknowledging the presence of those thoughts, and learning to accept them without judgement through mindfulness, our anxiety is challenged.

Be happier
Mindfulness encourages us to think in the present and to take each day moment by moment. When we are able to dismiss those concerns about what happens next and worries about how well or badly we did in the past, we have more headspace to really consider the present moment.

 

That is what Chatterminds is all about!

Learning mindfulness, building emotional reslience, discovering ways to nurture our mental health, making crafts and having lots of fun!