Mindfulness FAQs

A common definition of mindfulness is bringing attention to the present moment, on purpose, with kindness and without judgment. Mindfulness is secular and doesn't promote any religion. 

Formal mindfulness meditation practice can be conducted sitting in an upright position, lying down, or walking. During a guided mindfulness meditation session, the participant can focus on their breath, body parts, or emotions that arise. Essentially the idea is to keep your focus on the intended area. When the mind wanders or thoughts arise, which they will, simply return.

Many people report that they sometimes fall asleep when meditating.  If this is the case for you, you may want to try meditating first thing in the morning or at a time when you aren't already tired. Think of meditating as 'falling awake'. Falling awake to the present moment experience. It is a means of sensing all that is happening  this present moment. While it is common to fall asleep while meditating, you will benefit more from 'falling awake' during this practice.  

Formal meditation practice can be conducted in 1 minute. Just sitting in focused awareness for 1 single minute counts. Having said that, if you are trying to incorporate a longer time for practice, try waking up 5-10 minutes earlier to meditate or spending a few minutes of your lunch break focused on mindful breathing. Other suggestions are to find ways to be mindful throughout the day. See the SOM Challenge pages for some suggestions as to how to incorporate mindfulness into everyday activities. Also, remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. So for those who say they don't have the time to meditate, it's important to pencil yourself in to your own daily calendar.

There is research to suggest that mindfulness improves attention, improves compassion, and is associated with improved emotional regulation, as well as reducing stress and anxiety.

There are many benefits to practicing mindfulness meditation. Some of the suggested benefits include increased sense of calm, improved focus and attention, improved social-emotional learning, and an overall sense of well-being.Practicing mindfulness can also help people respond instead of reacting to difficult situations. While we can't control our thoughts or emotions, we can control how we choose to respond to our thoughts and emotions.