What is Mindfulness, and Why it matters? -Yogic explanation

We use medical models to explain Mindfulness and its effects, but often it fails to explain what Mindfulness is and how it works to promote mental well-being. This Mindfulness is often referred to as “Cosmic Intelligence” that links us to Life itself in yoga practice. Once you become one with this intelligence, you can create the Life you want beyond this physicality. So let’s explore more and connect this understanding to improve our mental functioning.

What is Mindfulness?

Modern medical models perceive Mindfulness as a product of meditation and its positive effects on our mental health. Mayo Clinic notes, “Mindfulness is a type of meditation” and lists the benefits of meditation on mental health. Unfortunately, it doesn’t define what Mindfulness is. Another mental health website says, “Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” It explains some, but are you satisfied?

Sadhguru explained, “in the yogic understanding, there are 16 dimensions to human mind, which fall into four categories. These four categories are known as buddhi, manas, ahankara, and chitta.” Buddhi is the intellect, Manas is the memory, Ahankara is the sense of identity, and Chitta is the pure intelligence, a mind without memory.

The whole meditation process is to ground ourselves on Chitta (its functioning is often referred to as Sati in Buddhism), the pure intelligence without memory.

Why does Mindfulness matter?

Mindfulness matters for many reasons, and it is critical because our mental health issues mainly come from our past experiences – Memories. From our memories (conscious and unconscious), we developed patterns of intellectual functioning and perceived identities. Often we develop perceptions that negatively affect our life functioning.

People often say “living the present moment,” but we don’t have any other option but to live the present moment. The present moment arrives fresh and clean moment to moment. The issue here is that we bring our memory into the present moment and suffer from it or the perceptions created from memories, as Lankavatara Sutra says.

By discerning our beliefs and emotional patterns are just products of our past and having a clear awareness of this moment, we can consciously make choices to change our lives in the way we want. This awareness also allows us to understand our negative patterns better and what to do about them.

When you look back, do you have the same thoughts and identities when you were five years old and 20 years old? Your thought patterns and identities change as you grow up, but you have been you. Likewise, you can create new thought patterns and identities from this moment and on. This change can start with your Mindfulness.

Bring Mindfulness to work.

You don’t have to sit on a cushion to be Mindful. Just be aware of what’s happening now. As you read this blog, be aware that you are reading. When you talk with your friend, just be aware that you are talking with your friend. When you eat, walk, and talk, simply be mindful of what you are doing.

When you are aware of what’s happening, you naturally know what to do. Now you can play with your memories rather than the memories play you. It is taking ownership of your life and creating the life you want.