What is mindful awareness?

Mindful awareness is paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.¹ 

Did you ever drive or walk somewhere and later not remember seeing anything along the way? Or did you eat a meal and, before you knew it, your food was gone without really enjoying it? It is easy to go through daily life on autopilot. Perhaps you were mulling over something that has happened in the past. Or maybe you were anticipating or worrying about something that will happen in the future. But what about the present? Are you at times so caught up in the past or future that you are not fully experiencing the present? If so, you are like most people. It is possible to learn a different way to relate to the world, with greater awareness. Mindful awareness can do a lot to help us live healthier, fuller lives.

Why is mindful awareness important?

Mindful awareness is at the heart of Whole Health. You can see this depicted in the Circle of Health below. Mindful awareness helps you to be aware of thoughts and feelings. Yet you don’t focus on them. Instead, mindful awareness helps you focus on the present and what is most important to you.