Living in the present is as fundamental to human happiness as it is complex. If you stop to think about it, we’re always looking to the past or the future, but never at the present, and this makes us worry about things that either don’t exist or are beyond our control. This is a defence mechanism employed by our brain as it tries to escape from uncomfortable situations. To help you avoid doing this unconsciously, we invite you to read this post on mindfulness.
If you’d like to find out more about the study of emotional wellbeing And in the complex world of self-fulfilment, do stay tuned to the Educa.Pro blog, where we’ll be discussing the five most important benefits of mindfulness, as well as many other related topics.
What is mindfulness?
Human beings have always been preoccupied with the pursuit of happiness, as if it were a goal that, after much effort, we deserve to achieve. Or at least, that is what religion – whichever one it may be – has always sought to instil: Make sacrifices now so that you may live life to the full in the afterlife. But of course, when will that promised ‘hereafter’ or ‘eternal life’ arrive? Nobody knows.
On the other hand, industrial society, this mantra has also been propagated since the industrial revolution, prioritising productivity over people’s happiness and creating a vicious circle from which we are unable to escape. In short: we suffer in the present to be happy in the future, but when we realise that results do not always come when we expect them, or in the way we expect them, we come to realise that, after all, the past was better. So what is left for us? If the past no longer exists and hope has vanished, living in the present is the answer; and this is exactly what mindfulness is all about.
However, if what you need is a definition that explains in no uncertain terms what mindfulness is, one could say that it is the practice of to be fully present in the moment, without judging it or assessing future consequences. To this end, those who practise mindfulness focus on feeling their emotions, bodily sensations and the sensory stimuli provided by their surroundings. The main aim is to enjoy the present moment, appreciate every detail and transform the concept of happiness into a journey, rather than a final destination.
Discover the 5 benefits of mindfulness and learn to appreciate the present moment
The phrase ‘living in the present’ is full of clichés, but it is essential for realising just how important it is to view our daily routine as a realm of possibilities in which we are the ones who make the decisions, rather than behaving like automatons guided by endless to-do lists.
Once you’ve discovered the benefits of practising mindfulness, you’ll start to see your days in a different light:
- Reduces stress: Mindfulness is recognised for its effectiveness in reducing stress. By focusing our attention on the present moment and accepting experiences without judgement, we can cultivate a more positive and serene outlook.
- Improved emotional wellbeing: Practising mindfulness can enhance our ability to regulate our emotions and develop greater emotional awareness. It helps us to observe our thoughts and feelings without identifying completely with them, which can lead to greater emotional stability and an improvement in our overall mood.
- Improves concentration: By training the mind to be present in the here and now, mindfulness strengthens our ability to concentrate and focus. This is beneficial both in academic settings and in everyday life, enabling us to carry out tasks more efficiently and accurately.
- Improves interpersonal relationships: By practising mindfulness, we develop greater attentiveness and active listening towards others. This enables us to form deeper and more meaningful connections with the people around us, improving our communication skills and empathy.
- Builds resilience: Mindfulness helps us to cultivate an attitude of acceptance and compassion towards ourselves and others. This strengthens our emotional resilience, enabling us to face life’s challenges with greater calm and adaptability.
Why do we humans dwell on the past and worry about the future?
If you want to look beyond the five benefits that mindfulness brings us, you should know that there are many answers to the question of why we are unable to live in the present. Some are based on philosophical schools of thought, whilst others are rooted in personal experience; however, from a psychological perspective, these are the reasons why we are always looking to the past or the future.
We are cognitive by nature: We are programmed to learn from the past and apply that knowledge to the future, and that’s all well and good, but sometimes this is what prevents us from enjoying the present. Our brain wants us to anticipate the future in order to avoid risks, but of course, most of the time, this causes us anxiety.
We need to know who we are: To do this, we draw on memories that define us and help us shape our image based on past experiences. However, isolated events do not define you, and you should focus on thinking about who you want to be, because it is you who must take control of your identity.
Emotional attachment: Our emotions and emotional bonds are closely linked to the past and the future. We cling to positive past experiences, as they give us a sense of joy and satisfaction. On the other hand, negative experiences can give rise to worries and fears about the future.
The need for control and security: Quite simply, this is linked to the survival instinct. We worry about the future because we long for a sense of control and security in our lives.
As you can see, the benefits of mindfulness can change your outlook on life, but to achieve this, you’ll need to practise it every day in all sorts of situations. Follow the Educa.Pro blog and learn all about personal and professional development!
