Whether you are wondering about what mindfulness is or you have just begun, these 5 principles of mindfulness will help you create a strong stable foundation for your mindfulness practice.
Non-judgmental
In mindfulness, we aim to be an impartial observer of experiences. When you start paying attention to your thoughts, you may be surprised to notice how often we judge things, people and situations. This happens so quickly and spontaneously that being judgmental becomes automatic. Such a persistent unyielding flow of judgmental thoughts prevents us from being at peace with ourselves.
Mindfulness involves becoming aware of this habit and not judging or labeling but simply witnessing our judging thoughts as simply thoughts, without taking them seriously.
Patience
The wise know the significance of patience – to let things occur naturally, in their own time. With patience, your mindfulness practice will improve automatically. There is no finish line. You are simply present, in the moment and fully engaged with whatever is unfolding in the here and now.
Beginner’s Mind
Our thinking and beliefs often prevent us from seeing ‘what is’. If you find yourself tuning someone out while they are talking, it is because you are sure you know better, then you know what it means. When you are sure you’re ‘Right’, you’re not paying attention to their words rather forming your argument.
On the other hand, a beginner’s mind is open and willing to experience everything as it is. Listen with an open mind without any expectations of what it should be like.
Life is happening in the ‘Now and Here’. The practice of mindfulness brings your awareness to the present moment, whether you are walking, eating meditating or doing some chores. This silences the inner chatter, making the mind becomes still and calm.