Our brain is the most complex organ which controls our emotions, thought and memory, our body temperature, our touch, vision, breathing, our body moves and all other processes.
Our brain is able to change and adapt as a result of experience. Probably for this reason there are still so many questions over the brain.
As we do so many routine tasks, our brain have developed a sub-conscious decision-making system. In other words, we are able to make decision on autopilot mode. Autopilot mode means that we are able to do activities without even thinking. It was supposed to prevents us from overloading. However, in a dynamic world, where every day we get so much of information, the role of autopilot mode significantly increased.
Our calendars are always full, we also do a lot of repetitive. In general, we are always busy, never pause. This of course increases anxiety and levels of stress. However, to notice it is pretty difficult as we never stop to check on how do we feel. There is no time for spontaneous things. As a result, we always feel tired and overwhelmed. As more we are on autopilot mode, as more details we forget, for example birthdays or paying regular bills.
Autopilot mode also makes us more vulnerable. We can struggle in problem solving, as for this we need to be more engaged, focused and creative. Everything increases frustration, we can feel lost with our emotions. And some point we start to wonder how we got there.
Probably everyone has ever heard about mindfulness. Sounds like it’s something complex, but actually it’s as simple as being fully present and engaged in the moment, it’s being aware of thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness it’s not a completely new way of living. It’s “exercises”, that helps us to get back to our body, use our creativity, make better decisions and notice how we feel.
Studies have found that mindfulness meditation can actually change the structure of the brain. It helps to improves concentration, attention and memory, also to reduce pain, stress, anxiety and even symptoms of depression. It helps to notice and accept different emotions, which lets us to easier handle difficult moments. Practicing mindfulness meditation helps us to notice small pleasant details and to feel more satisfaction. All this result in better mental, emotional and physical health.
Mindfulness meditation is very simple – the goal is to keep the attention focused to one specific object, for example breathing. There should be no judgement, just noticing. You just need to follow your breath and be aware each time when your mind goes somewhere else. Once you master this, you can try to focus on other things, like teeth brushing or cup of your morning coffee. You can try mindful walking (focusing on your body moves, your feet touching the ground), mindful eating (feeling the smell of your food, seeing all colors, feeling the taste in your mouth, the texture, etc.) and many other practices. No matter which mindfulness meditation you are doing – the goal is to avoid judgment, just to be present and aware.
You can find plenty of books, videos or apps for guided meditation, even though you can also practice it by yourself. You don’t need mantras, you don’t need to connect with the universe or to induce trance.