FAQ
There is no single universal definition of mindfulness; everyone defines it differently. But when you experience the true essence of mindfulness, you realize that every explanation conveys almost the same message, though each may emphasize different aspects.
I have two different definitions of mindfulness, as you can see below. The first one is also in my book.
#1
- Mindfulness is a practice that you can experience anywhere and at any time by being aware of your breathing, bodily sensations (emotions manifesting themselves), feelings (in your mind), any task at hand, or any of your senses (visual – what you can see in front of you; audible – the voice of others, and so on).
- The idea is not to judge or strive for anything.
- When automatic thoughts (of past events, future events or others) arise in your mind, demanding attention, you escort the mind swiftly to the present (whatever you are doing) with self-compassion.
#2
Mindfulness is the tangible recognition of the inner voice, cultivating the ability to listen to it clearly, and developing both attitudinal qualities and skills to respond to external events and inner experiences with clarity and ease through effective self-management.
Here are some YouTube videos on mindfulness that are very easy to understand. All credit goes to the channels and creators of these videos.
- How Meditation Transforms the Brain (13.40 Min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdrMVCDeemc
- What is mindfulness? (1 Min): https://youtu.be/OaRDbLWeSXE
- Meditation 101: A Beginner's Guide (2 Min): https://youtu.be/o-kMJBWk9E0
- How Mindfulness Empowers Us (2.21 Min): https://youtu.be/vzKryaN44ss
- Why Mindfulness Is a Superpower: An Animation (2.43 Min): https://youtu.be/w6T02g5hnT4
- What is Mindfulness? Q and A with Dr. Amishi Jha (3.13 Min): https://youtu.be/7FccK9UjuF0
- Mindfulness Animated in 3 minutes (3.23 Min): https://youtu.be/mjtfyuTTQFY
- What is Mindfulness? Simple answers, profound meaning. (3.45 Min): https://youtu.be/ny0d20TBc7s
- Everyday mindfulness (4.45 Min): https://youtu.be/QTsUEOUaWpY
- What is Mindfulness by Jon Kabat-Zinn (5.17 Min): https://youtu.be/HmEo6RI4Wvs
- Mindfulness: What is it? BBC News (7.53 Min): https://youtu.be/Se971VQf8w8
A: The program covers the following themes:
- Week 01: Mindlessness (Automatic Pilot) and Mindfulness
- Week 02: Overcoming the Challenges of Being Mindful
- Week 03: Decoding Automatic Thoughts
- Week 04: Building Resilience
- Week 05: Meaningful Life and Relationships
The content is primarily based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with additional inspiration from Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
A: For the following:
- Those looking to apply mindfulness to daily life, including beginners and those with experience in meditation and mindfulness
- Those who are keen to learn more about mindfulness, but don't know exactly what it is and how to practice it
- Those who are willing to have a good go at trying out the various mindfulness exercises before judging if they’ll work for them
- Those who are interested in many different applications of mindfulness
- Those who are not afraid of a bit of mindfulness meditation
A: No. No previous experience is needed.
A: The sessions include:
- Theory
- Group Discussion
- Meditation
- Assignments
A: Over the weekend (either only Saturdays or only Sundays) for 5 weeks. Each session is 4.5 hours, one session every week. From 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, with a 30-minute break from 9:30 to 10:00 AM.
A: A mix of English and Hindi. If the majority of participants prefer only one language (English or Hindi), then that will be used.
A: Between 6 to 16 participants (for both online and in-person).
A: Yes. Outside of the sessions, participants are required to engage in formal practice for a minimum of 45 minutes each day. An informal practice involving moment-to-moment monitoring of internal and external happenings is also required. This commitment is necessary and gives participants the best chance of bringing enhanced well-being into daily life.
A: No. Each session builds on the previous one.
A: It is encouraged to plan so that you don’t miss any sessions. If that happens, a recording will be provided for a limited time. You will need to watch it and complete the assigned work before the next session.
A: No. But you are encouraged to buy the recommended book which will serve as a workbook, reading material, and reference.
- Good internet connection on your laptop or phone with webcam, mic, and speaker
- A dedicated room where no one will disturb you for at least 4 hours
- Comfortable clothing
- Mats, cushions, and blankets
- Chairs/stools and space to lie down
A: It is encouraged but optional. Being seen on the webcam helps limit multitasking and distractions and may help participants get the best out of the program.
A: Strictly no. Do not let young children accompany you, as it will cause distraction. Make necessary arrangements with your family.
A: You will get a program completion certificate if you complete at least 70% of all formal and informal practices. Otherwise, you will receive a participation certificate.
A: You can look at the facilitator’s profile here
A: No. You are not qualified or certified to teach mindfulness after this program. However, you can use what you learn in your work and share it with family and friends.
A: Yes. The facilitator or organizer may cancel or modify the schedule at their discretion. All confirmed participants will be notified.
A: No. Mindfulness addresses universal features of human experience. While similar practices exist in many contemplative wisdom traditions, the program itself is not religious. Participants may reconnect to their own faith tradition if they choose.
A: Not necessarily. A common misunderstanding is that mindfulness meditation always feels calm and peaceful. In the beginning, it can feel chaotic as you pay closer attention to inner experiences. This is a normal and important part of the practice.
A: Please discuss with your family doctor whether it is appropriate for you to attend the program.
Not everything is for everyone. The same is true with mindfulness. There is plenty of research on mindfulness’s benefits, but it may not work for some. If you are a mental health professional and are interested in exploring the area of unwanted experiences with meditation and mindfulness, you can read the book The Buddha Pill: Can Meditation Change You? and attend the “First Do No Harm” Meditation Safety Trainings offered by cheetahhouse.org.
Here is a good research paper on the possible unwanted effects of meditation. This is from 2017, but it still gives a good perspective. Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0183137