What is mindfulness?
The modern mindfulness is the brainchild of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, an
American professor emeritus of medicine. He defines it as βthe awareness
that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment,
and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment.β
In simpler terms, mindfulness helps sustain attention
to feelings, emotions and thoughts in the present moment without getting
carried away by them. Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism, and from an
ancient tradition, it has evolved into a modern mind training. It is a
quality that some people possess naturally, but it can also be trained
and improved. Mindfulness is the bridge in between our mind and present
moment that helps us understand and better react to stressful,
overwhelming situations.