Mindfulness vs. Mindlessness

Mindfulness Vs. Mindlessness 

Mindlessness

Mindlessness involves automatic thoughts and actions. This happens most commonly when people are in stressful/emotionally charged situations such as distracted, hurried, multi-tasking, and/or overloaded. People describe mindlessness as being “Zoned out” or running on “Auto-Pilot”. Exercising mindlessness can cause feelings of anxiousness, frustration, and feelings of uncertainty. 

For example

Who’s had a conversation with someone before and then halfway through or at the end of the conversation you recognize that you have no idea what the other person has said to you, or what they have been talking about…  This happens when someone is exercising mindlessness.

Have you ever driven your car from one place to another and not remembered how you’ve gotten there? This can be linked to mindlessness.

 Automatic Thoughts

Automatic thoughts are words or images that come into our minds automatically when action needs to be taken, we are faced with a decision or an emotion-evoking situation. These thoughts are developed over time through various repetitions of life experiences or occurrences.

For example:

“Why can’t I ever succeed” when not succeeding in a specific area of your life. This could be anything from platonic and romantic relationships, playing sports teams, doing well academically/occupationally, with recovery/personal growth just to name a few. Automatic thoughts are initial judgmental thoughts that bring on emotions possibly making one feel that they need to mask that feeling right away with habitual behaviour.

Often times people will engage in habitual behaviours that bring them instant gratification masking negative feelings.

Mindfulness

The ability to be aware of your thoughts, feelings, emotions and physical sensations, and actions in the present moment without passing judgment on yourself, or your experience.

Mindfulness refers to the quality of attention that you pay to yourself and your life on a day-to-day basis. Practicing mindfulness can be difficult because judgments can be so automatic. However, I have some tips for you to use if you find yourself having a tough time!

How to Practice Mindfulness 

Pay attention. It's hard to slow down and notice things in a busy world. Try to take the time to experience your environment with all of your senses,  touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste. For example, when you eat a favorite food, take the time to smell, taste, and truly enjoy it.

Live in the moment. Try to intentionally bring open, accepting, and discerning attention to everything you do. Find joy in simple pleasures.

Accept yourself. Treat yourself the way you would treat a good friend.

Focus on your breathing. When you have negative thoughts, try to sit down, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Focus on your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Sitting and breathing for even just a minute can help.

You can also try more structured mindfulness exercises, such as:

Body scan meditation. Lie on your back with your legs extended and arms at your sides, palms facing up. Focus your attention slowly and deliberately on each part of your body, in order, from toe to head or head to toe. Be aware of any sensations, emotions, or thoughts associated with each part of your body.

Sitting meditation. Sit comfortably with your back straight, feet flat on the floor, and hands in your lap. Breathing through your nose, focus on your breath moving in and out of your body. If physical sensations or thoughts interrupt your meditation, note the experience and then return your focus to your breath.

Walking meditation. Find a quiet place 10 to 20 feet in length, and begin to walk slowly. Focus on the experience of walking, being aware of the sensations of standing and the subtle movements that keep your balance. When you reach the end of your path, turn and continue walking, maintaining awareness of your sensations

What can you do to practice being more mindful in your life?