Chapter 19: Self‐care and wellbeing
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Mindfulness
Definition
Mindfulness means paying attention in the present moment, in a particular way, on purpose, without making any judgements or criticisms of self or others. It enables us to stop living life on automatic pilot and begin to live life more fully and responsively, rather than reactively. In this way, we increase the amount of choice we have over the things we do (Figure 19.2). For example, when we wash our hands, our minds are often thinking about what we are going to do next or later in the day, rather than noticing the temperature of the water, the sounds as the water pours from the tap or the scent of the soap.
Figure 19.2 How much time do you spend thinking about the here and now?
