Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the state of being present in the here and now without being excessively reactive or overwhelmed by whatever’s going on around us. When practicing mindfulness, we become fully aware of our internal states and surroundings without giving into destructive habits or ways of thinking; we are able to be fully present without judgement or unhelpful reactions. Practicing mindfulness can reduce stress levels, increase the ability to relax, improve our enthusiasm about life, offer us important insights into ourselves and the world around us, and help us respond more effectively to challenging situations. Mindfulness can be especially helpful in coping with depression, anxiety, and serious illness.