Mindfulness

Mindfulness is being aware in a specific way. Without judgement being present and observing what is in the moment, without purpose or goal: just being aware and accepting what is. Thoughts and emotions are being observed as occurrences in the mind. When we witness, without the intention to change anything, we will have more choices and with that more freedom. To be able to see what is, takes courage. It also gives courage, because you will find that there is nothing to be afraid of. If you can stay present even during severe pain or during heavy emotions, there is nothing left to fear. You don not have to suppress or deny anything. This releases a lot of energy, that you can use in any way you want.

Mindfulness is a mild, open awareness for everything. This mildness is the only alternative for a life of grasping, wanting, doing, controlling. To be able to let everything in life happen in stead of wanting to direct and control it. By opening your awareness, you become more acquainted with your thoughts and emotions, without being overwhelmed by them. When you become more acquainted with the movements of your thoughts and feelings, you will no longer try to exclude them, deny them or change them. They just are there. In the warmth of your mild and open awareness there is relief and release. Throught this process we can learn to see for instance our emotions as fundamentally healthy and learn to embrace them.

Mild and open awareness gives space and warmpth. We find a middle way between ignoring and being overwhelmed. You do not have to do anything, just be aware. There is just simply the act of observing what is by taking the stance of the impartial witness.

The foundations of mindfulness practice are: Non judging, patience, beginner's mind, trust, non -striving, acceptance and letting go.

To be fully aware of this moment and this moment and this moment. That is mindfulness.