The mindfulness is an English term, with origin in the word “sati” (which means to remember) of the pali. It is a language similar to Sanskrit and was spoken in the time of the Buddha over 2500 years ago.
The most common translations of this term are full consciousness, mental presence, or the most recently used full attention. It refers to the ability of humans to be in the present, to return to the here and now.
What is Mindfulness for?
This concept of living the present being fully conscious, allows us to remember what we do in each moment. To recognize an experience and live it to the fullest. Many people think they have control over mindfulness, but they don’t. In reality, they are focusing on the past, the future or a part of the present without taking into account the whole of the present moment.
Being in a mindfulness state goes beyond that. It is the ability to recognize everything that happens in the now. Accepting the experience, whatever it may be, without adding any thoughts. That is, not to stay with the good or the bad without taking into account the rest of things or in drawing conclusions from what we are living.
Although many people associate it with Buddhism, the truth is found in almost all religions. This is because it is an aptitude that everyone possesses. The truth is that this is what allows us to practice it in many different ways.
Mindfulness and its application in medicine
The fact of gaining popularity has aroused the curiosity of the scientific community. In turn, it has made it the subject of several scientific studies. Thanks to these studies, it has been shown that living the experience of the present moment and being aware of it, helps to reduce stress and the physical symptoms associated with it, increases self-awareness and improves our health on a daily basis, as well as our well-being at work.
To treat the symptoms of stress, both physical and psychological and physical ailments such as chronic pain, for example, there are those who have incorporated it into current medicine making the patient live the present with interest, with curiosity and accepting everything that is happening to him. Achieving that their ailments are reduced significantly.
Besides helping us with stress and its symptoms, getting to be aware of the present, of what is happening to us, learning from experience and accepting it, helps us in many more areas. It helps us relate to the now and manage our lives. It helps us to learn how we can manage our emotions, pain, an illness, a loss. In short, everything we are living.
If we are not aware of our present and what is happening to us, we do not pay attention to what is happening to us. We worry too much and focus on things from the past or the future that we cannot change. This can cause our moods to change, we isolate ourselves from everything and we rush into our decisions.
If we manage to take control and live the present consciously, we will manage to live in balance (body, mind and spirit). We will also live in peace, taking care of all our aspects, have more compassion and live fully.