Anyone can practice mindfulness but it might take a bit of practice. At first you might find it hard to stop your mind from wandering. Here are sum fun facts to help you distract your mind, and help you refocus your mind.

So what is this thing called mindfulness? Below are some definitions:

• The awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment to moment (Kabat-Zinn, 2003).
• The non-judgmental observation of the ongoing stream of internal and external stimuli as they arise (Baer, 2003).
• Keeping one’s complete attention to the experience on a moment to moment basis (Martlett & Kristeller, 1999).

Medically speaking..

After 8 weeks of practicing mindfulness exercises for an an average of 27 minutes per day, MRI scans of participants showed that mindfulness:

• stimulated a significant increase in the density of gray matter in the hippocampus, important for learning and memory;
• increased the density of gray matter in other neural structures associated with self-awareness, compassion and introspection;
• decreased the density of gray matter in the amygdala – the part of the brain associated with anxiety and stress.

According to Harvard University, Studies have shown that mindfulness can:

• relieves stress
• relieves depression
• relieves anxiety
• lowers blood pressure
• improve chronic pain
• improve sleep
• improves capacity to deal with stress
• improves ability to form deeper connections with others.
• Mindfulness has also been found to boost immune function.

8 Quotes To Help Foster A Mindful Attitude

Beginner’s Mind

Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.

Patience

Patience, and the mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown.

~Chinese proverb

Non-Judging

With our thoughts, we create the world.

~Buddha

Acceptance

Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better; it’s about befriending who we are already.

~Pema Chrodon

Trust

…and then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

~Anais Nin

Non-Striving

Be yourself. Life is precious as it is.There is no need to run, strive, search or struggle. Just be.

~Thich Nhat Hanh

Letting Go

Don’t worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.    

~Howard Thurman

Generosity

What people really need is a good listening to.