Mindfulness

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to the present moment. Through mindfulness, a person maintains an awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in relation to their environment. Furthermore, mindfulness for teens allows a teenager to observe thoughts and feelings without the burden of self-judgment. Moreover, by helping people to stay in tune with their current experience, mindfulness exercises and mindfulness meditation provide freedom from past regrets and nagging fears of the future.

The term “mindfulness” is a translation of the Pali term sati. Although the roots of mindfulness are in Buddhist meditation, the secular practice of mindfulness entered the American mainstream in 1979, through the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Since then, many studies have documented its physical and mental health benefits.

A key to mindfulness exercises is the promotion of self-acceptance. Specifically, teens learn to stop judging their thoughts and feelings, by letting go of the idea that there is a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment. Consequently, mindfulness can help teens become more comfortable with themselves and their world.

Sources: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Greater Good Magazine (University of Berkely.edu), UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center