actual experience
Mindfulness is about experiencing the present moment as it is, not how you would like it to be.
Try to recall the most recent sunset or a natural phenomenon you had witnessed. How did you feel in that moment?
hanging out with our thoughts and emotions
Mindfulness simply means awareness. It’s a state (and habit) of being conscious of what’s going on as it is happening, both within and around us. It is an innate capability that we are all born with. Used medically, the Singapore Institute of Mental Health (IMH) points out that mindfulness is widely integrated into many therapeutic approaches such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
aware for what?!
We think we’re in control of our thoughts and actions but in my classes, both adult and younger students discover very quickly that their brains have minds of their own. It’s a very powerful experiential lesson.
Mindfulness returns us control.
watch that mouth!
By being aware of sensations, thoughts, emotions and judgments, we are able to create the space to recognise what we are thinking and feeling, and discern what we say and how we respond.
Mindfulness presents us choices.
good in everyone
I incorporate practices on self-compassion and gratitude. Cultivating such positive mental habits helps counter our brain’s automatic negativity bias. You regularly experience moments of pure consciousness.
Mindfulness makes us feel good.
benefits of mindfulness.
where's your mind?
It is easier to understand the concept when we think of its opposite word – “mindlessness”.
Being mindless is when we do things without thinking, either due to habits or being preoccupied. We get lost in a daydream. It is as if the world in front of us continues along its way without us being mentally there for it.
velcro for negativity
Words and images carry emotions and judgment. Our bodies react to those automatically, as a protective instinct. And since our brains have a natural tendency to fret, the negative reactions take their toll on us, physically and mentally.
your life, your choices
When we develop the habit of being mindful, the outcome throughout the day could be different. Rather than trying to change others and external situations, we could start by choosing to take better care of ourselves.
scenario: a bad day
You’re stressed about a project deadline. Your shoulders and abdomen muscles are tight. Your staff shows up late for a client meeting, triggering your irritability. You berate him (and rattle off a list of other behaviours you found annoying). You concluded that you’ve had a bad day.
alternative outcome
Detecting contraction in your shoulder muscles, you loosen them. The biofeedback signals the brain to stand-down from its fight-or-flight mode. You invite your staff to explain his tardiness. You’re home for family dinner and feeling grateful for the warm conversations.
how can I start?
I invite you to give this a try right now, wherever you are reading this. Can you purposely notice what you are experiencing at this moment? What can you feel through your five senses? Why is this useful?
try now
Here is a simple mindfulness lesson that can be done anywhere, anytime. Try it to discover the true nature of your own mind.
study now
Read up on commonly asked questions from our FAQ section. Discover other aspects about mindfulness.
join now
To properly cultivate this mental habit, I invite you to join any of my group classes, or arrange for a private session.
more testimonials
recommended next steps
do these now
- Join my group classes, or arrange for a private session for yourself or as a corporate workshop or course, to learn techniques and benefit firsthand.
- Get informed on the topic. I have compiled a short list of resources for your convenience.
- Read up the commonly asked questions.
- Ask me a question. I’ll be happy to clarify any concepts for you.
on your own
- Pause and notice yourself and your surroundings, as many times throughout a day as you can remember.
- Make it a habit; anchor this to an everyday event.
e.g. each time you sit down at your desk, right after parking the car, or as you lay down in bed. - Practice, practice, practice. Just like exercising maintains our physical fitness, mindfulness training is a continuous effort.
experiencenow