Soul Sustenance: What is Mindfulness?

How do we cultivate and protect our peace and resilience in the midst of so much that seems stressful and threatening? We live in a period of high anxiety from rising prices and economic uncertainty, increased weather threats, divisive politics, mass shootings, and lingering waves of viral infections--including COVID-19 and its many variants. Growing awareness of the connection between our mental and physical health has given rise to new certifications for physicians in lifestyle or integrative medicine--a holistic approach to healthcare that encompasses the whole person. One of the pillars of lifestyle medicine is stress management, which includes meditation or mindfulness to help us release and renew.

Mindfulness is a state of present moment awareness, in which we do not judge whatever we experience or feel. It is the ability to fully focus our attention on what we are doing and where we are, without thinking about the future or worrying about the past. This self-care practice offers a way to a more calm, relaxed state of mind and a path to finding peace and joy even in difficult times. It is a way to manage stress, which can improve our health and wellness, along with our daily decision-making. Mindfulness is often associated with meditation, which is a popular way many people develop it.

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