Minding the Mind

According to a study out of Harvard, humans tend to daydream and engage in mind wandering 47% of their waking lives (Killingsworth & Gilbert, 21010). Our ability to pay attention impacts our performance, relationships, and wellness. Increasing our level of attention and awareness widens the space between our perception of the stimulus and response. Practicing mindfulness gives us the ability to have direct access to the nature of our mind. Over time, our minds may become more settled and recover from stressful situation more quickly. We are less likely to be swept away by extreme feelings and emotions and can respond to things actively instead of re-actively. Bringing choice to our thoughts, emotions, and feelings allows us to be in control.