MindfulnessMindfulness has its roots in ancient Buddhist tradition, particularly in meditation practices. The term “mindfulness” is a translation of the Pali word “sati” (or “smṛti” in Sanskrit), which means “memory” or “awareness” — in the context of being present and conscious in the here and now.
In the modern Western world, mindfulness gained recognition largely through the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, an American professor of medicine. In the 1970s, he developed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, adapting Buddhist meditative practices for medical and therapeutic contexts. His research showed that regular mindfulness practice supports the reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression, while improving both mental and physical health.
Mindfulness and the Breath
“When we interviewed hundreds of participants who had completed the stress reduction program over the years and asked what the most valuable takeaway was, most of them answered: the breathing.
I found that funny, because of course, every single one of them had been breathing long before they came to the program. So why does breathing — something so familiar — suddenly become so meaningful and precious?
...Tuning in to the breath helps us find our center of gravity.
The breath reminds us to come back to our body — and to live the rest of the moment with awareness.”
Praktyka mindfulness (uważności) przynosi wiele korzyści dla zdrowia psychicznego i fizycznego. Oto niektóre z nich:
- Stress reduction – by learning to respond more calmly to challenging situations
- Improved focus and attention – leading to greater effectiveness at work or in study
- Emotional regulation – helping you better understand and manage emotions
- Reduced anxiety and depression – often used alongside therapy for greater impact
- Better sleep – calming the mind for deeper, more restorative rest
- Improved physical health – lowering blood pressure, supporting heart health, and reducing tension
- Greater self-awareness – helping you better understand your thoughts, patterns, and needs
- Enhanced relationships – through more mindful listening and emotional presence
- Increased well-being – by cultivating appreciation, joy, and presence in everyday life
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