What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is often misunderstood as a relaxation technique. In reality, it is a way of cultivating awareness and presence in daily life. Jon Kabat-Zinn, who pioneered mindfulness in healthcare, describes it as:
“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.”
Mindfulness helps us step back from automatic thoughts and reactions, making space to respond with greater clarity and compassion. Rather than trying to get rid of unwanted experiences, mindfulness teaches us to relate to them differently, with openness, patience, and kindness.
Mindfulness and MBCT
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines mindfulness practice with CBT principles to support resilience and reduce relapse in depression.
Grounding techniques
It is important to distinguish mindfulness from grounding, though there is some overlap. Grounding techniques can support us to bring our awareness to the present moment. We can develop grounding techniques by utilising our senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste) to anchor us in the present moment. These techniques can be a helpful part of trauma focussed therapy. Mindfulness is not a quick fix, but rather about gradually cultivating a different relationship to all experiences, pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral.
Trauma sensitive mindfulness
For those who may be experiencing symptoms relating to past trauma events, mindfulness must be introduced with care. Practices like the body scan, for example, can sometimes bring up overwhelming memories or sensations. In these cases, therapy provides a safe space to adapt mindfulness practices so they feel manageable and supportive. Sometimes grounding will be the first step.
Why it matters
Mindfulness is best understood not as a quick technique, but as a skill and way of being that develops with practice.