“Mindfulness gives you time. Time gives you choices. Choices, skillfully made, lead to freedom." - Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
Being mindful is basically being aware of what we are thinking and feeling without being overwhelmed by thoughts or feelings.
A greater perspective on the present moment enables wiser responses to situations, rather than impulsive reactions.
Mindfulness is a central concept in Buddhist psychology. Jon Kabat-Zinn was responsible for inserting it into the scientific world and, consequently, facilitating its entry into the West.
It is curious to observe that at the beginning of the last century, William James, the father of American psychology, pointed out that in a few decades, the precepts of Buddhist psychology would be the core of Western psychology. This phenomenon has only really happened, basically, since the beginning of the 21st century. For sure, he was ahead of his time!
This approach is based on some fundamental pillars, such as: focus on the present, acceptance, non-judgment, self-compassion, curiosity, and letting go.