4 Common Misunderstandings About Mindfulness

Recently, I delivered a?Mindfulness workshop ?for national #athletes on “How Mindfulness Practices Help Athletes”.

Before the workshop, I interviewed some of the athletes to understand their needs. During those interviews, I realized that there is confusion on “what Mindfulness is” and most importantly on “what Mindfulness is NOT”.

It made me realize most people are confused about the term ‘#Mindfulness’ regarding what they see on social media.

Due to the bombardment of social media posts promoting “#happiness at all costs”, we see Mindfulness as an easy way to immediate gratification.

Therefore, in this article, I want to share my thoughts on this misunderstanding.

What is Mindfulness?

In basic terms “Mindfulness is the basic human ability to?be fully present, aware of where we are and what we're doing”. It is an easy concept to say “I am fully present NOW” however it is really hard to apply.

Why? Because our mind is often thinking of the PAST events and finding ways to stay in regret, resentment, or failure. We do this with thoughts like,?“I wish I didn’t tell him that”, “I could have done better” , and ”how could she do this to me”.

If we are not in the past, then we are thinking about the FUTURE which creates #stress and #anxiety .?“Will I get a promotion”, “I don’t want to see her, how should I behave in the meeting with her”…

This is why the ability to be fully present NOW requires real effort.?We simply need to be mindful of it and train our brains.

What Mindfulness is NOT?

It is NOT?“being positive and happy all the time”

It is amazing to have a positive attitude towards life and mindfulness. Healing modalities help you to build this attitude over time. However, life goes on and we will have all the emotions like sadness or anger. Mindfulness can help you to navigate those challenges so that you don’t feel stuck there and move on with ease.?

It is NOT “I have figured everything out, I am mindful and I am done”

I wish it was possible to figure out everything in our healing journey ?? However the reality is that self-development is a journey,?not?an end goal. Sometimes people expect that they will also be calm once they practice a couple of #meditations and they blame the model when that doesn’t happen.

Mindfulness practices can help you navigate life at every stage. Mindfulness is a tool, not a one-stop solution.

It is NOT “a ritual”

Rather than a #ritual , it is a technique that you can use anytime and anywhere.

Mindfulness or healing practices should be able to help you at any time in your busy daily life. An example of this could be a 3-minute mindfulness meditation that helps you ground and balance yourself before a heavy meeting. Rituals are great when you have time for self-care, however, you should have a toolbox of practices that you can use anytime and anywhere. The win here is to use them when you need the most.

It is NOT “a religion”

Most people are confused in thinking that Mindfulness is related to Buddhism and promotes a religious activity. It is true that some of the techniques like meditation are related to Buddhist philosophy however, the way Mindfulness is used for #mentalhealth and #wellness is far from any religious practice. I see deeper alignment and permanent results when my clients combine Mindfulness techniques with their own spiritual practices and faith.

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If you are interested in bringing Mindfulness topics to your team or organization??

Book a free call to discuss your mindfulness at workplace

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If you really want to make powerful changes in your life, you may be a good fit for my 1-1 Deep Transformation Program . It is a 3-month healing & energy and mindset coaching journey that helps you get unstuck and expand beyond your stresses, and limitations to initiate a real transformation within your life.

Book a free discovery call to explore this journey.

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With Regards,

Gül S?nmez Palumbo

Mindfulness Trainer and Certified Transformation Coach