Mindfulness, often seen as a modern trend, dates back to 5,000 BCE (before the common era). As noted by Psychology Today in 2013, this ancient practice involves the fundamental ability to fully and openly embrace the present moment. It’s important to understand that while mindfulness is frequently linked with meditation, they are different. Meditation is a formal practice that entails sitting or lying down and focusing on your breath or a specific object. Conversely, mindfulness is a mental state that can be developed through meditation but can also be applied to everyday activities. In our increasingly fast-paced world filled with hectic schedules and responsibilities, mindfulness may appear to conflict with our daily lives. However, the reality is that we tend to spend more time thinking about everything else rather than acknowledging the present. Our daily routines are so well-rehearsed that we rarely reflect on our actions and operate mainly on autopilot.
Unfortunately, we often spend countless hours ruminating about the past while ignoring the present. Yet, nothing we dwell on is real; the past is gone, and the future rarely turns out as we expect. So, how can you fully embrace the present moment? One approach is to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. For instance, when you eat, focus on your food’s taste, texture, and aroma, and take your time eating. When you walk, pay attention to the feeling of your feet touching the ground. As mindful parents, be curious and open to understanding what your children are feeling and experiencing. Just remember, mindfulness means noticing what’s happening inside and outside of you with acceptance and compassion. These simple practices can help you pause and appreciate the moment, even when a hundred tasks are demanding your attention.
For better or worse, we exist in the present, yet our attention is often drawn to the emotional turmoil of past or previous experiences. Unfortunately, we are taught from a young age that painful emotions should be repressed and that we must learn to control our feelings. In our attempts to escape or suppress our emotions, we deprive ourselves of valuable insights that our feelings can provide.
When we accumulate emotions, they worsen the longer we try to deny or avoid them. Chronic dismissal of our feelings can ultimately affect our self-confidence. Over time, we feel nobody cares about our needs or desires and that our opinions or voices don’t matter. This can also lead to feelings of stress, depression, and even anxiety.
Did you know that around twenty-one million American adults experience depression each year? This staggering number underscores the seriousness of this condition. Yet here in the USA, only about 35% of Americans dealing with severe depression seek help. It’s vital to acknowledge the widespread impact of depression and the significance of supporting those affected.
Contrary to common belief, it’s crucial to recognize that depression is not merely a feeling; it is an action. By this, I mean that depression is not just a passive state of being but rather a set of behaviors and thought patterns we engage in. Unfortunately, the reality is that the mind often transforms what we read and hear into another source of blame. You might start thinking, “If depression is an action, then I could blame myself for engaging in it.” This tendency is not surprising since judgment and blame are common inclinations in our minds, especially when we are depressed. However, the actions that lead to depression, the actions that, in a deep sense, are depression—should not be criticized. Depression arises from a systematic set of behaviors that leave you emotionally numb and hinder your ability to act in ways that align with who you indeed are.
Depression acts as a signal that you should show up, be intentional, adopt an open and questioning attitude toward your emotions, and engage in actions that align with who you indeed are—the person you were meant to be.
If you are currently battling depression, you are not alone. Depression is one of the most common emotional health issues in modern society. It’s so prevalent that it’s hard to turn on the TV or browse the internet without encountering advertisements for new medications or other supposed treatments for depression. Did you know that more women are affected by depression than men? Depression arises from a complex interplay of social, psychological, and biological factors. Social elements such as adverse life events like unemployment, bereavement, and trauma can trigger depression. Psychological factors, like negative thought patterns and low self-esteem, can exacerbate its effects. Biological factors, such as genetic predisposition and chemical imbalances in the brain, can also play a significant role. This intricate interplay of factors can lead to increased stress and dysfunction, complicating the affected individual’s circumstances and escalating depression from mild to moderate to chronic.
If living mindlessly and avoiding painful emotions contribute to depression, embracing a mindful life and accepting your pain becomes the path to recovery. Research in mind science shows that mindfulness strategies can help pull those suffering from depression out of their mental fog and ruminating thoughts. Mindfulness is not just a ‘feel-good’ technique; it’s a valuable form of brain training that empowers individuals to take control of their mental health. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, helping you break free from the cycle of negative thinking that often accompanies depression. Mindfulness can also assist you in developing a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion, which are crucial for managing depression.
To truly experience the vibrancy of life, one must be ready to acknowledge that what one feels is OK without judging the emotions and sensations present at the moment. It is also OK to cry. Crying can signal healing. It’s normal to cry when we feel sad, anxious, depressed, or grieving. Grieving doesn’t only occur after losing a loved one; it can also happen when we have lost ourselves.
Discover yourself, embrace your true nature, and learn to live authentically by staying true to your core identity. Acknowledge your strengths, accept your weaknesses, and present your genuine self.
Cultivate mindfulness and remain present.
