Mindfulness “Is the awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.” With emphasis on Non-judgmentally.

In other words, it is purposefully paying attention to what is happening right now without judging it.

Meditation is a practice that trains the mind to focus our attention, among other things. Mindfulness, on the other hand, is the ability to be aware of thoughts, sensations, surroundings, and emotions without judgment.

To draw a comparison, meditation is like the specific exercises you do to improve physical fitness, while mindfulness is more akin to the state of being physically fit; or your fitness.

Practising mindfulness has been shown to offer a wide range of benefits supported by research and scientific evidence. These include reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, improved focus and memory, enhanced emotional regulation and resilience, better sleep, and even physical benefits like lower blood pressure and improved immune function. Mindfulness can also lead to greater overall well-being and life satisfaction.

Mindfulness It is an ability that can be developed by anyone at any age, in any condition. All you need is commitment, dedicate a few minutes a day to your practice and desire to learn.

Scientific evidence points to noticeable changes in the brain after 8 weeks of consistent meditation for 20 minutes per day. However, benefits can be felt after a single session.

The most important factor here is consistency.

Begin by setting aside a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath, just fully noticing your breath for as long as you can.

Every time your mind wanders off, gently bring your attention back to your breath without judgment.

You can also try guided meditation apps or classes.

The key is consistency—make it a daily habit, even if it's just for a few minutes. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.

Identify in advance, moments in your day every day when you could be free of distractions, and you can fully focus on your breath, then practise it for as long as you can, start with 2 minutes.

Associate your new habit to an established one, that way it is easier to remember, e.g. before walking the dog, after taking a shower, etc.

Common misconceptions about mindfulness include:

* Mindfulness is about having no thoughts.

* Mindfulness is the same as relaxation.

* Mindfulness is the same as meditation.

* Mindfulness is only practised sitting down with eyes closed.

* The goal of mindfulness is to master it.

No prerequisites or prior experience are needed to start a mindfulness practice. Anyone, regardless of age, background, or beliefs, can begin practising mindfulness. All you need is willingness to learn and an open mind. Start with small steps, be patient with yourself, and allow the practice to unfold naturally.

Scientific research shows that a regular mindfulness practice can help manage common mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and stress. There is also evidence that it could help with more complex mental illnesses. However, it's important to note that mindfulness should not be a substitute for medical advice and treatment.

While there has not been a consistent, systematic way to define and report adverse effects of meditation, some studies have observed temporary effects such as paranoia, anxiety, and pain, predominantly in long and intense meditation sessions. However, these effects are believed to be part of the learning process due to increased awareness of internal pre-existing states and can be managed with guidance and continued practice.

In our sessions, you can expect a confidential, supportive, and non-judgmental space where we will explore your goals, perceived limitations, and lifestyle. Together, we will build a personalized and progressive mindfulness plan, incorporating guided meditation, mindful breathing exercises, and insightful discussions. Through our sessions, you will learn practical tools to incrementally build a better self-image and reach your goals.

In both coaching and workshops, we utilize guided techniques such as meditation, body scans, breathing exercises, visualization, relaxation, and self-reflection. These practices are designed to enhance focused attention and cultivate mindful presence.