Introducing mindfulness

Hot topic of the year, 'mindfulness' is described as 'the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something'.

by Emily Campbell

Despite studying psychology for three years, it wasn’t until I picked up What Are You Doing With Your Life? by J. Krishnamurti that I really developed an understanding of the importance of thought in every aspect of our lives.

Hot topic of the year, 'mindfulness' is described as 'the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something'.

Of course we all have negative thoughts and experiences, but a crucial aspect of being mindful is the simple acknowledgement and acceptance of negative thoughts and feelings for what they are—just thoughts. Regularly directing your attention to your experiences and emotions can allow for positive thoughts and experiences to stamp out the negative ones.

Next time you find yourself struggling with negative vibes, encourage your mind to take a hypothetical step-back and simply take note of what it is you are actually feeling (sadness, anger, anxiety)—this has definitely helped me to see the bigger picture and ride out the negatives. Negative thoughts are not negative in themselves—it’s how we respond to them that is problematic. Don’t try to justify or solve, just acknowledge.

As well as What Are You Doing With Your Life?, I would definitely recommend reading Sane New World by Ruby Wax—a funny and extremely useful guide to becoming the master, not the slave, of your mind.

Simple exercises throughout the day, like drawing your attention to the feeling of your back against the chair or your feet pressing into the floor, help to focus your mind and only take two minutes.

Especially in the past year I have really started to appreciate my own company, and the importance of being comfortable with yourself and loving yourself, particularly in the development of relationships with others.

One of the ways I have immersed myself in my own company is travel. It is far easier to book a getaway each free moment you have, rather than coinciding with a schedule or a travel companion! It takes practice to enjoy your own company: try going to the cinema on your own, it is truly therapeutic—talking during films is just annoying anyway!

Set yourself a goal to practice even just a few moments of mindfulness each day. Then go to the cinema and book a weekend break by yourself before the end of the year. You can thank me later. ■