The following article does a great job of introducing us to mindfulness, noting some key benefits and complementary exercises: http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2016/01/mindfulness/. Some people get intimidated by the term, envisioning success only by donning a monk’s cloak and meditating for years in a cave. It does not have to be that way, there are levels of practice and intensity that can range from general stress management to spiritual awakening.
For those people who want to take a break from the frantic pace and constant noise of our day to day lives, brief meditation is a wonderful tool. It encourages deep breathing and focused attention, reconnecting us with our bodies, the present, and the rhythm of this life-giving action. Counting, visualizations, and calming phrases also distract us from nagging pressures that can keep us escalated. By the end, it’s like the mind’s reset button has been pushed, and we have fresh perspective and a greater sense of center.
There are others who hope to take this a step further, working to become less mired in the constant stream of thoughts that are as persistent as a stalker. Through specific exercises, a skill is created to observe the inner world with more detachment. Instead of being controlled by the thoughts and the corresponding emotions, we can consider the health and value of what we see. It is then possible to determine how the information can help us find positive trajectories and cease reckless reactivity and defensiveness.
Finally, mindfulness has the ability to change the way we see and approach our life and those we encounter. It is a spiritual practice, where one has long gaps where the thoughts are quiet, allowing one to tune in to what if feels like to just “be”. This opens the way for connection to be felt with all living things, creating a blend of humility, gratitude, and contentment. The ego has little importance here- instead, the focus is on how to be a positive influence in the world, using a sense of peace, wisdom, and compassion.
What you decide to aim for is whatever works for you. Hopefully the article above can be a welcome introduction and give you a taste of something that could be a powerful balm for the challenges that come with each day.