Andrea has been practicing and teaching Mindfulness for 25 years. She knows the benefits of this practice both personally and professionally. Her Blackbelt name is Mindfulness in recognition of how she lives and models this in her life.
So, what is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is an intentional non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. Mindfulness is the ability to pay attention to our experiences with openness, curiosity and a willingness to be present with whatever we think, feel and experience in the moment. Mindfulness is learning how to be attentive, to be present in our lives, to live our lives in the present versus being lost in the past or the future, to learn to be right here, right now.
Mindfulness and has been linked with multiple indicators of well-being. Over time, mindfulness brings about long-term changes in mood, wellbeing and self compassion. Scientific studies have shown that mindfulness helps with emotion regulation, depression, anxiety, managing daily stress and irritability. Other studies have shown improvement in memory, focus, concentration, brain neuroplasticity and self control; increased creativity, work productivity and athletic performance; faster reaction times, positive development in social interactions, and enhanced tolerance in pain management.