
Mindfulness is an approach that works on retraining how we see things – how we see ourselves, others, the world. It allows for us time to go within ourselves, and truly understand what we are thinking, how we are feeling, and reflect on our journey. There are various components to taking a mindful approach, known as “attitudes of mindfulness”:
- Introduction to the attitudes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kANsRoYcaAo&list=PLkgahhWgJW97ADlyc2BYMwOD8wZjcBZ8D
- Non-judging: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNICQ-x_Gek&list=PLkgahhWgJW97ADlyc2BYMwOD8wZjcBZ8D&index=2
- Patience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkW27a8m1mY&list=PLkgahhWgJW97ADlyc2BYMwOD8wZjcBZ8D&index=3
- Beginner’s mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssqclf52ZpY&list=PLkgahhWgJW97ADlyc2BYMwOD8wZjcBZ8D&index=4
- Trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9HhURnnlh4&list=PLkgahhWgJW97ADlyc2BYMwOD8wZjcBZ8D&index=5
- Non-striving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl0DreXY4JI&list=PLkgahhWgJW97ADlyc2BYMwOD8wZjcBZ8D&index=6
- Letting go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBCithP9JrM&list=PLkgahhWgJW97ADlyc2BYMwOD8wZjcBZ8D&index=7
- Gratitude and generosity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M-ZJLmP4b4&list=PLkgahhWgJW97ADlyc2BYMwOD8wZjcBZ8D&index=8
- Acceptance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOGsj0Aklx8&list=PLkgahhWgJW97ADlyc2BYMwOD8wZjcBZ8D&index=9
Practicing mindfulness has been shown to change which areas of our brains that are activated, and how they interact with each other. Most people associate it with meditation, but anything can be done in a mindful manner. The approach allows for centering, usually through our breath. The approach allows for all feelings to come to our attention. There are formal practices such as meditation, body scan, journaling, yoga, and Qi Gong. There are more informal practices such as eating mindfully and moving mindfully. Practicing self-compassion, gratitude, and going through a forgiveness process are all examples of bringing ourselves to the present moment, going internally, and reflecting – exhibiting a mindful approach.


Other Resources
- Meditation for beginners – https://www.headspace.com/meditation/meditation-for-beginners
- How to meditate – https://www.mindful.org/how-to-meditate/
- How to do a body scan meditation (and why you should do it) – https://www.healthline.com/health/body-scan-meditation#benefits
- The body scan practice – https://www.mindful.org/the-body-scan-practice/
- Mindful eating- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIX7RphOtG0
- Tips for mindful eating –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJSpQHcJfKs
- The benefits of mindful movement – https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/mental-health/tools-resources/mind-body-wellness/movement-benefits#:~:text=Standing%20up%20and%20stretching.,and%20focusing%20on%20your%20breath.
- Being kinder to yourself – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyQdeYjXUhE&feature=emb_logo&utm_source=Greater+Good+Science+Center&utm_campaign=fdf695139c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_GG_Newsletter_Jan_23_2020&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5ae73e326e-fdf695139c-74369575
- Self-Compassion: The proven power of being kind to yourself (2015), book by Kristin Neff
- The three components of self-compassion – Kristin Neff – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3aba1ok5lE
- Letting go of anger through compassion – https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/letting_go_of_anger_through_compassion?_ga=2.142025842.176601180.1604499534-411278334.1604499534
- Nine steps to forgiveness – https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/nine_steps_to_forgiveness?_ga=2.142025842.176601180.1604499534-411278334.1604499534
- Eight essentials when forgiving – https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/eight_essentials_when_forgiving?_ga=2.142025842.176601180.1604499534-411278334.1604499534
- Coping Style as a Psychological Resource of Grateful People (2007) -https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2007-18580-006
- Gratitude enhances the beneficial effects of social support on psychological well-being (2019) – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337111192_Gratitude_enhances_the_beneficial_effects_of_social_support_on_psychological_well-being
- What teens are thankful for – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqLXGiqT2ZE&feature=emb_logo&utm_source=Greater+Good+Science+Center&utm_campaign=4e8b7215bb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_GG_Newsletter_Nov_19_2019&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5ae73e326e-4e8b7215bb-74369575