The term Mindfulness is seemingly everywhere today...

You're likely to see it listed in magazine article titles while you pass through your grocery store check-out line, in marketing blurbs, on t-shirts, tattoos, even on vanity license plates.The word is usually associated with calm images of serene settings, smiling meditators, or something similar to the photo I've included in this post.

But what is it? What is Mindfulness?
Google dictionary offers the following:

mind·ful·ness
ˈmīn(d)f(ə)lnəs/
noun
  1. 1.
    the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.
    "their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition"
  2. 2.
    a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

Learning the ability to become conscious or aware--to be fully present in what's happening right now--is one of the most helpful gifts you can give yourself.

I believe deeply in the importance of mindfulness in our lives today. It is sorely lacking in our fast-paced, multitasking, fatigued, be-everything-for-everyone-else-first culture. So let's talk about discovering and living a mindful life.

My definition of mindfulness is different that the clinical dictionary example above. I believe mindfulness is artful presence. It is a skill. Like any skill it takes practice to develop and strengthen. (Remember you have to crawl before you walk, walk before you run.) Having attention on purpose is the simplest difficult thing you've every tried. (Or the most difficult simple thing.)

I will be offering instruction on meditation and mindfulness through one-on-one coaching, email contact, blog articles, and podcast recordings on the teaching along with simple, guided meditations.

Click on my email link below, connect with me through the ZaneDarner.com facebook page, or reach out through Instagram.

I will be adding a write-up on Mindfulness to the blog list. Check there and also see if there is anything else of value to you. Leave a comment and I'll do my best to follow up with you.

An accountability partner helps you get from where you are to where you most want to be. If you're working on a specific project, an area where you're feeling stuck, or wanting to strike out into something new that's calling you please feel welcome to contact me to see how mindfulness coaching might help out.

~ Zane Darner
info@zanedarner.com