Mindfulness is something that more and more people are taking up because of the benefits it offers, both on the job and in their personal life. Proponents say it can help enhance concentration, reduce stress, improve mood, and even help the immune system.

But there are also a number of questions surrounding mindfulness. People wonder how they should do it, or if they are doing it right. To these questions, mindfulness experts have some answers. First, here are a few things that mindfulness is not.

It is not an empty mind.

Being mindful does not mean making your mind a blank. You are still concentrating and focusing.

It is not flow.

This is a term made popular a number of years ago by a psychologist to describe a state of complete absorption in a task.

It is not serenity

Serenity implies a kind of passiveness and calm, and while you are calm while doing it, mindfulness is an active state.

What is mindfulness and how can it help your career?

Mindfulness is an awareness that comes about through paying attention. For example, when you are watching a movie, you become caught up in the story and the images, but at some point, your attention is diverted and you become aware that you are watching a movie. This is similar to mindfulness.

Mindfulness is not the thought or the feeling itself, but rather it is the awareness of that thought or feeling. You can be mindful about different things – the thoughts you are having, the emotions you are feeling, sounds around you, even your breathing.

You are simply being aware of these things without making any judgment about them in your mind. You are aware of being aware.

As an exercise to practice mindfulness, sit quietly and focus your attention on everything that is happening. Become aware of your thoughts, what you are taking in through your senses, your breathing.

Then, narrow your focus to just your breathing. Become aware of the air moving in and out of your lungs. When your mind wanders, simply bring your attention back to your breathing again. Then, after about a  minute of doing this, shift your awareness back to all of the other sensations you were originally focusing on. Do this for a few minutes.

Looking to advance your career?

If you are mindful of advancing your career with a new job, Winston Resources can help you. We give each job candidate our personal attention and work with him or her throughout the process. Give Winston a call today or search our open jobs in New York City and beyond.