Mindfulness: yesterday, today and tomorrow

The word mindfulness is a translation of the Pali term ‘sati’ which refers to the awareness in the present moment as per the Buddhist tradition. The term is used to describe the attention and awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings and surroundings.
Mindfulness has become more relevant today than before because distractions are far too many that can sway our attention otherwise. For instance, increased dependence on gadgets and technology has started to replace the need to socialise, removing us from the real world. Today worldly circumstances distance us from each other, leading to increased depression, anxiety and addiction. It is thus beneficial to slow down and take a moment to reflect mindfully how all things are interconnected.

 

Relation with Interdependence

To be more aware of the real world we should be aware of the interdependence that exists around us; between countries, individuals, elements of nature and interplay between all the above. Interdependence helps us achieve shared goals through teamwork . Singularity does not help us to walk long distances of life , but being united and together does . When we ride a bicycle, the rider is not conscious of each of the parts of the bicycle that gives him delight, though it moves only when the peddle , handle and the tyres are working in perfect sync. We have a similar relationship of interdependence with food we consume; each of them is responsible for our nutrition though coming from diverse sources

When Mindfulness , Interdependence and Collaboration are put together in an orderly way , we get a sense of sublime , undiluted and extraordinary joy which spreads positivity around . In fact, these words are interconnected and even their application requires mindfulness. For instance, even though there is a strong need for cohesive teamwork in a team, it cannot operate effectively if the members do not have a good understanding between each other.

 

Enhancing our mindfulness

Amongst other activities, Yoga and meditation have been frequently recommended as being helpful to increase one’s mindfulness.
Mindfulness helps to reduce stress, enhance performance, gain insight and awareness, and increase our attention to others’ well-being. Mindfulness and meditation make us curious about the workings of the mind, trustworthy, with one’s feet firmly on the ground.

 

Exhibiting Mindfulness

Mindfulness is not obscure or exotic. It’s familiar to us because it’s what we already do, how we already are. It takes many shapes and goes by many names.

Mindfulness is innate in our nature and is not externally imposed. It does not require us to change our fundamental nature. We can cultivate these innate qualities with simple practices that are scientifically demonstrated to benefit ourselves, our loved ones, our friends and neighbours, the people we work with, the institutions and organisations we are associated with.

 

About the authors

The article has been contributed by the following students from Mahavir Senior Model School, New Delhi: Gullika Jain, Saanvi SInghal, Khushi Jain, Samiksha Monga and Garv Kohli.