Mindfulness is a practice that UP supports and encourages. There is a growing evidence for the effects of mindful practice in reducing suffering as well as neuroscience research that is looking at the brain changes as a result of mindfulness. Like any skill that is practiced, our brain structure adapts and becomes more efficient and we become better and better.
We spend a great deal of time upon our hygiene (washing, cleaning our teeth) and keeping active (exercise, sports), but how much time do we spend improving our ability to focus, to think clearly and rationally? How much time do we take to look after our minds? It is our minds that flavour our reality, give richness to our experiences and provide a meaning to our lives. Surely then, we should be dedicating time to creating a healthy, calm mind.
Mindfulness practice: why? what? how?