Written: 2021
Mindfulness is so simplistic in nature that I fear it is the reason it is most often misunderstood or overlooked as a hot, new trend
The last year and a half, I have been buried in mindfulness research, talking to anyone and everyone about all things mindfulness, and gathering the best-evidence to support my final capstone project for my OT doctorate
The majority of people I spoke with had such a positive and warming association with mindfulness. On the other hand, some individuals that I spoke with brushed it off as a hot, new trend. Something all the cool kids were doing. Or, they would mock “being present in the moment”. When I would express that there are several hundreds of research articles on this topic, I was met with redirection, avoidance, and almost mockery
As a researcher and life-long learner, I found the concept of mindset interesting. Doesn’t everyone want to learn more about the things they may not quite understand when presented with new information, especially if there is evidence backing it up
Mindfulness has been around for centuries. In the late 70s, John Kabat-Zinn brought mindfulness to modern day practices with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programs. The history of mindfulness is overflowing with research and unfortunately, that history can sometimes get lost
It promotes better self-efficacy to ensure you are giving your body and soul what it needs while being present in the moment
I have tried to incorporate mindfulness into my daily routine my entire life. It was not until I completed post graduate studies and I received a certificate in Infant Mental Health from Chatham University, did I truly embrace how important being a mindful individual was
It has been just over a year that I have embedded mindfulness into my daily routines. I will tell you that mindfulness is not a cure for all things. What it will do, is get you better at knowing what your body needs to maintain optional self-regulation, mental clarity, and better adaptive responses in stressful situations
When you increase your self-efficacy of what your brain and nervous system prefers, you can begin to engage in meaningful occupations that support the optimal regulation of your body and steer clear of the things that you know sabotage your soul
I created #makeitamindfulmonday because we get a new Monday each week. A new opportunity to start the week fresh, rejuvenated, and full of positive intentions. Some Mondays, you will not feel like that. This is when you have to be mindful the most as to what your body needs to nourish its soul
Tag your posts and share how you #makeitamindfulmonday
Sending everyone good vibes and positive intentions for a fabulous week!
