What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment; the here and now. Being mindful allows us to observe emotions, thoughts, and events with curiosity and without judgement. It helps us to stay in the present and enables us to respond with clarity rather than being ruled by emotions.

In the words of Master Oogway from Kung-fu Panda: “There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift… that is why it is called the ‘present’”

Scientific studies in adults using brain imaging has shown that regular mindfulness practice alters the way the brain responds to events. Instead of responding from the amygdala – which produces impulsive and emotional reactions – we respond from our pre-frontal cortex – which is associated with emotional regulation and decision making.

Current research of mindfulness for children has demonstrated that it can help alleviate mental health symptoms such as low mood and anxiety and improve emotional regulation skills. It has also been demonstrated to help people learn more effectively, improve sleep, and cope better with difficult situations.