What Is Mindfulness?

mind·ful·ness (noun):
The practice of bringing nonjudgmental attention to the present moment.

With so many distractions in the modern world, the simple yet profound practice of mindfulness helps us develop the ability to deepen our moment-to-moment awareness. And scientific research continues to prove that mindfulness practices are good for us, too.

Emerging from meditative and contemplative traditions, mindfulness is increasingly used in Western psychology and medicine to alleviate an array of health conditions. Mindfulness practices can help across a wide spectrum of issues—from personal health to relationships to increasing workplace effectiveness and reducing pain, anxiety, and depression.

And mindfulness isn't just for adults—kids also can benefit from these practices. The practices of contemplative education, Social and Emotional Learning, and mindfulness are being widely explored in schools throughout the United States. Through mindful parenting and incorporating mindfulness practices in primary and secondary schools, mindfulness helps children:

Mindfulness practices are now being applied across a range of fields and institutions—from neuroscience to education, from corporations to prisons, to workplaces and beyond. Because mindfulness practices help to cultivate calmer, more present, and more powerful individuals and societies, these practices have always been a part of Omega’s offerings.