Most of us have heard about ‘mindfulness’ and know that it is supposed to be really good for us. In fact, research keeps coming out supporting the idea that mindfulness improves outcomes in many areas of our lives, including our health.
But what does that mean for us in everyday life? What does mindfulness have to do with happiness and even exercise?
Mindfulness is the second principle in ‘SMART’ (e.g., in my upcoming book Smart Women Don’t Diet) because it is a key component of taking ownership of our lives living fully. When we are mindful we notice what is going on deep inside our minds.
The really interesting thing about mindfulness is that by simply witnessing our thoughts, even painful ones, we can choose to notice them and how they make us feel. This observer perspective is non-judgmental. But it does put us in the driver seat.
By simply shining a light on our inner thoughts we disarm their power. Instead of our thoughts directing our actions or undermining our plans unconsciously we catch them! This lets US decide, mindfully, whether we want to go in the direction they are pointing us in or not.
One of my heroes, Jon Kabit-Zinn, has referred to mindfulness as an inner technology. It’s a great metaphor – and also true.
On the days when we are rushing around and feel too busy to take that walk, we can check into the beliefs that are directing our urgent pace. Sure, there really might be no time to take any extra steps that day. But, more likely, it’s the belief that our movement has to be a certain duration to be worth doing that prevents movement.
When we catch that belief (based on 25+ years of socialization but not any real truth) we are in a position to challenge it, and if we choose, to modify our plans and just move – even a little more.
That little exercise in mindfulness often results in tremendous feelings of well-being and being centered. That’s just one of the reasons why being mindful is a very smart thing to do.