by Dr. Kishore Chandiramani
Introduction
Mindfulness is a method of awareness and introspection which involves a conscious attempt to focus attention intensely on the present moment, noting thoughts, feelings, perception, images and sensations without judging them, participating in them or acting on them. It is observation of the contents of our mind as they appear and disappear without reacting to them. Every thought and every emotion dies its natural death if not fuelled by the judgements and emotional reactions of the individual experiencing them. The typical reactions that arise are those of craving for, or aversion to, things. Detached observation, with suspended evaluations and mental reactions, does not encourage the suppression or expression of emotions but sees with impartiality, making it possible for individuals to deal with these emotional reactions appropriately. It enables clients to become aware of experiences without being attached to them.
It may seem an almost impossible task to eradicate all cravings and aversions (and one might question the desirability of such an endeavour when one sets out on this path) but what one can hope for initially is freedom from one’s fears and addictions to one’s desires, which can be a hindrance to the real goals of life. Mindfulness meditation enables clients to transform their reactions (which are conditioned) into actions that are based on a free choice. The central aim of mindfulness is to free individuals from the restricting influences of strong emotions, both positive and negative. …
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