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The Mindfulness Tree is devoted to sharing mindfulness-based resources for wellbeing. Founded by Dr Michael Roberts, it offers a range of drop-in sessions and workshops to help individuals cope with the ever-growing stresses of everyday life.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the art of showing up for our lives. Described by Jon Kabat-Zinn as paying attention on purpose, in the present-moment and without judgement, mindfulness is the simple awareness of what’s happening around and within us.
Most of the time, we are not present. We are ruminating over the past, or worrying about the future, obsessed and controlled by our stories, opinions and fears. To practice mindfulness is to step outside of this whirlwind. When we practice, we are coming out of our heads and our stories about life, and into our experience of life as it is now. This is the essence of mindfulness – to rest in the present moment, in the senses, and be curious about what we find there. For mindfulness is not about what should be or what might be, but what is.
In observing our experience this way, we can create a sense of spaciousness in our minds. We are no longer hemmed in or pushed around by our internal chatter, but able to experience and respond to the world with clarity and composure. We stop living on auto-pilot and tap into a way of being that is more authentic, more calm, and better able to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
We practice mindfulness by systematically returning our attention to different aspects of our bodies and our experience, with an attitude of curiosity, acceptance and gratitude. There are many ways to develop mindfulness – many branches through which mindfulness can manifest – and The Mindfulness Tree seeks to introduce people to a broad variety of practices and approaches, so individuals can find those best suiting their own situation and character.
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
Research suggests that practicing mindfulness can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Promote physical and psychological well-being
- Develop emotional resilience
- Increase focus
- Reduce blood pressure
- Promote compassion for self and others
Other places to learn about mindfulness:
