Ishtar Darlington
Mindfulness is a relatively new word that has taken the media by storm in the last few years, but what exactly is it all about? Being mindful basically means being aware and totally present in the current moment.
Now this may sound like quite a simple concept but putting it into practice can prove a little tricky. Sure, when you’re sitting in a park on a beautiful summer’s day it can be relatively easy to be present and aware but what about those times when your head is spinning with your break-up last week, pressure from your boss and tomorrow’s to-do list? Being mindful isn’t such a walk in the park then.
In yoga we are reminded to be acutely aware in every moment of how our body is feeling, of the quality of our breath, of any large or subtle sensations we may be experiencing. In effect, we are practicing being mindful. Instead of worrying about friends or family or work, when we’re on the mat we are on the mat. The only thing that is real and true is the present moment and your experience of it, right now.
