Mindfulness

Mindfulness, defined as ‘Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgementally’ (Jon Kabat-Zinn) is a critical skill in today’s fast-paced world. In a recent cover feature on Mindfulness in TIME magazine, the story refers to mindfulness as ‘the science of finding focus in a stressed-out, multitasking culture’. Mindfulness has received in recent years a plethora of attention, both research and in popular media, due to the wealth of benefits this skill can bring to performance and to wellbeing.

The purposeful, present-moment awareness that defines mindfulness also defines the experience of flow, creating an immediate synergy between the two constructs. Bringing present-moment awareness to what one does enhances experience, and tasks are performed better when fully focused on the task. It is this concentrated focus that may help with the finding of flow in performance. Present-moment awareness is cultivated through mindfulness training, and there are a number of approaches that develop the skill of mindfulness. Sue draws on modern psychological approaches to mindfulness (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in particular), as well as the ancient meditative tradition of yoga nidra (iRest yoga nidra).

Create a mindful edge in sport, work, and life – contact Sue for assistance with bringing mindfulness into your life.