M - Mindfulness (#AtoZChallenge)

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully aware of where we are, what we’re doing and what’s going on around us, without being overly reactive or overwhelmed.

Now I can't claim to be 'mindful' according to most of the modern 'mindfulness' teachings. Popular 'Mindfulness' is not a cure-all panacea. To me, 'mindfulness' doesn't have to be closely related to and involve meditation. Usually, meditation involves emptying the mind, whereas 'mindfulness' fills the mind. Meditation usually implies sitting in one spot, shutting out the world. To me, 'mindfulness' implies awareness, of being out in the world, of being an observer of life, of having an open mind.

 (picture from Padua College - www.padua.vic.edu.au)

I guess I have been an observer all my life. At times I feel I have been an 'outsider' looking in and this is to an extent related to my early lack of social skills. Professionally, it was an obvious step into being a business analyst, being able to observe, seeing the big picture and how processes link together or affect each other.

It's not just in business though, for me, 'mindfulness' includes becoming aware of issues and needs around me that I can contribute to.

So moving into open sexual experiences and 'relationships', being an observer came naturally, and writing a blog an obvious extension. I just hope that some of my observations have contributed to the greater collective knowledge.

 

Click to see who else is taking the challenge.