Mindfulness and the Appreciation of the Present

Introduction

One of the reasons we demand more time to complete tasks or achieve goals is because we keep visualizing the load of work that we have ahead of us and forget to work on the bit we can in the present. As a result, the energy that should be used in working on the little bits in front of us is used in thinking about how to tackle the huge tasks ahead.

Obviously, this thinking leads nowhere because the process continues almost like a cycle. When the supposed day or time of facing the huge task comes, it will still be used for more thinking. This bad habit is sometimes cultivated unconsciously because of a suppressed desire to be free of any kind of work at all. The perpetual indulgence in thinking and eventual abandonment of work then becomes a way of satisfying this suppressed desire.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a form of meditation where attention is focused on the present. Usually, it begins with a consciousness of the present state of the mind, the body and the environment with the purpose of aligning fully to the status of the present. A core objective of mindfulness is ‘acceptance.’ As the thoughts, experiences, joys and pains flow, accept them and try not to antagonize any one of them. Do not struggle to overcome or dispel any thought.

Although mindfulness is considered a form of meditation, it can be adopted as a mode of living. In this regard, one who adopts this will be conscious of his thoughts, words and actions as he lives. He lives each moment as it comes, being mindful of each in order to maximize its usage to the actualization of goals.

Meditation and Mindfulness

The idea of meditation is sometimes considered cliché or even recondite as something that should be reserved for a few people. Most people are disturbed about the idea of engaging in meditation and would rather not disturb themselves about any form of meditation. With mindfulness meditation, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of meditation without engaging in the rigorous processes that are attached to the general idea of meditation.

Since mindfulness involves a simple concentration on the self and environment, it can be practised by everyone regardless of one’s experience of meditation. For beginners who wish to start practising meditation, mindfulness is also a good place to begin. A deep understanding of one’s self and the environment through mindfulness will be a propellant towards the pursuit of further growth in spirituality, business, skill acquisition etc.

Mindfulness, Appreciation of the Present and Self-Control

Just as discussed in the law of accumulation, we must realize that every bit of achievement matters a lot. For this reason, it is best to focus on what is right in front of us. This is the purpose of mindfulness. Mindfulness will help us appreciate the present and all it offers in order to utilize it properly. With mindfulness, we are sure to make each moment count.

The lack of control over emotions, especially – anger, hatred, love, despair etc., is due to a spontaneous upsurge that engulfs one. In order to fain control, one has to be aware and conscious of the state of things in the self and the environment. This is what mindfulness offers – the opportunity to know ourselves through and through at every moment and be able to discern and control whatever emotions are present.

Conclusion

Mindfulness is something that can be learnt and practised by anyone. It can begin with mindfulness in some activities (total focus) and gradually, it can be incorporated into others. Imagine being ‘lord and master’ of your affairs because you are aware of the internal and external status of the present. This godlike feeling can be an advantage and with practice, its usefulness can be better understood, diversified and applied in other areas.