Mindfulness Research Paper

Mindfulness is not just about meditation it’s so much more. Mindfulness involves being fully present and aware of life. It’s about knowing where and what we’re doing. You could say it’s about taking time to smell the roses, living in the present. Author James Baraz stated that mindfulness is being aware what is happening right now without wishing it were different. Last week I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Cindy March present on how simple it is to be more mindful and show compassion towards others and ourselves. Dr. Cindy March has been practicing mindfulness for over forty years. The concept of mindfulness is fairly new to me and Dr. March was able to not only enlighten me but open my eyes to simple and easy ways to be more present in life and my work.

Mindfulness is going mainstream and a lot of more individual and even corporation are practicing mindfulness and its simple Dr.

Cindy March mentioned it only takes one breath a day and you become calmer. Aetna Health CEO brought mindfulness to the corporate life and it was very interesting to hear that with mindfulness practices it lowered the cost of healthcare for the company while enhancing the performance of the employees as well. Mindfulness benefits health in many ways it encourages empathy and compassion which will lead to happiness. Aetna had very easy and cost-conscious techniques that not only Misericordia but others could do as well. Offering times throughout the day for others to chime in as well with phone conferences and group activities. It was very interesting to see that companies are hiring full-time positions surrounding mindfulness and ways to incorrupt it into the employee’s lives. To know that 67% of Americans go to work disengaged is very

believable.
After hearing the presentation and learning the range of benefits from mindfulness practices. I was still skeptical about the entire concept and not sure that living in the moment would really make a difference. Too many well-known leaders have expressed that after practicing mindfulness it increases their focus and attention and gain patience and creativity. As a Resident Director, it’s not only stressful at times but it’s easy to become overwhelmed and draining. Dr. Cindy shared some simple ways to become mindful and after trying these techniques for myself I’ve found it not only relaxing but it truly helped with my stress levels. At times I become stress not only with work but with life. It’s crazy how fast the world is moving, people are always in a rush and never just breathe. I haven’t started truly meditating but whenever I feel I’m becoming overwhelmed I just take five minutes and close my eyes and clear my mind. I’ve realized that doing so I'd actually bring fresh ideas into my mind on projects and ideas that I haven’t thought about. I’ve always struggled to accept things as they are and hopefully with my new practices it will help. I hope to implement more advice and mindfulness techniques from Dr. March when the weather gets better and spending time outside disconnected from my cell phone and electronics. Overall, I found it very interesting and important for your physical and emotional health.