What Is Mindfulness?

Have you ever found yourself zoning out while doing routine tasks like brushing your teeth or walking the dog? Suddenly, the task is done, but you barely noticed it happening? This is the "autopilot" mode we all slip into sometimes, as our minds wander to other thoughts.

Autopilot can be handy, letting us multitask and solve problems while handling everyday chores. But it can also trap us in a cycle of unhelpful thoughts and painful feelings, disconnecting us from the present moment. It's like watching a movie of our lives instead of actively living it.

Mindfulness offers an alternative. It's the practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment without judgment. By cultivating mindfulness, we can become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, fostering a deeper connection to our experiences.


What Are Its Benefits?

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for wellbeing.

Extensive research shows that mindfulness can significantly help us manage challenging thoughts and emotions, while also improving our focus and concentration. How does mindfulness achieve this?

"So I tried it, and...."

“It doesn’t work for me!”

People often say, "Mindfulness doesn't work for me." This is usually because they expect mindfulness to make them feel a certain way. It's important to understand that mindfulness isn't about achieving a specific state; it's simply about being present with our experiences.

You might notice yourself feeling relaxed. That's a pleasant side effect of mindfulness, but it's not the aim. The aim is simply to be present as much as possible. You may also experience feelings—emotions, physical sensations—that you don't like. If that happens, see if you can approach those feelings with openness and compassion, without trying to change them.

“My problem hasn’t gone away!”

Another common complaint about mindfulness is that it doesn't solve problems. When facing difficult life events like exams, money worries, health issues, or relationship troubles, painful thoughts and feelings often arise. People might turn to mindfulness for relief, but then get frustrated when it doesn't magically "fix" the situation.

Mindfulness isn't a solution for life's challenges, but it can help you step back and observe your experiences. This can provide a fresh perspective, or help you figure out what else you might need to navigate through this difficult time.

“I haven't got the time..”

When people think of mindfulness, meditation often comes to mind, and finding time for it in our busy lives. But simply put, mindfulness is about paying attention. It's something we can do anytime, anywhere. You'll find some ideas below in the mindfulness exercises section on how to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.

And a final thought on this problem: if you haven't got time to meditate for ten minutes once in your day, you probably need to meditate for ten minutes twice in your day!

And maybe the biggest reason, between you and me...

I don't know what I'm going!

This is not an uncommon problem. Where to start, huh?

If you have not meditated before, or practiced mindfulness, how do you teach your child or teenager to do it? As adults, a lot of us learn that to be shown up not knowing what we are doing is maybe just about the worst thing. Just like your child, however, you need to learn to do something somewhere.

Before you begin...


Introducing Mindfulness Practice to Children and Young People

Now you feel you have established your practice? Try these:

National Resources

Download a range of free audio files that can be used to support mindfulness practice.

Headspace is mindfulness made simple. There is an app which can be downloaded to support mindfulness practice.

On this site, you can find a number of audio files that can be used alongside Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) or a a CFT workbook. 

Resources in Hertfordshire

Love Reiki is a practice based in Bengeo, Hertfordshire that provides Parent and Child Mindfulness session, as well as children's Reiki (a complementary practice).