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FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 47

Mindfulness has always received positive reviews. Acceptance involves embracing the present moment
But are there also negative effects of mindfulness and acknowledging it without judgement. It means
practices that we should be aware of? recognizing and allowing whatever arises in your
awareness without trying to change it.
Meditation can potentially trigger or worsen specific
psychiatric challenges. People who have faced severe Letting go is about releasing attachment to particular
mental illnesses or have a history of trauma may find outcomes or goals. It’s the art of allowing things to
it difficult to cope with issues like depression, negative come and go in our awareness without clinging to them,
emotions, and intrusive flashbacks during meditation. which can alleviate mental stress.
Therefore, it is important to seek guidance from mental
health professionals and working with experienced How has mindfulness benefitted you personally and
mindfulness therapists or instructors who have the professionally?
expertise required to navigate these intricate situations.
Mindfulness has been a profoundly enriching and
It is common for many practitioners to focus solely transformative force in my life, shaping my journey
on the technical aspects of mindfulness and overlook for over two decades. It has become an essential
the equally crucial attitudinal dimension. Mindfulness element, empowering me to remain rooted in the
development encompasses the cultivation of several present, equipping me with resilience to navigate
key qualities, such as kindness, curiosity, patience, life’s challenges, and helping me uncover the profound
acceptance, and letting go. Neglecting these essential meaning of life.
attributes can lead to a rigid and overly goal-oriented
mindset, which, in turn, can result in significant stress One of the most fulfilling aspects of my mindfulness
on both the body and mind. journey is sharing this invaluable gift with others.
Guided by the timeless adage, “As you teach, you learn,”
Kindness is the foundation of how we relate to sharing mindfulness has not only been a passion but
ourselves and others. This involves being gentle and a reciprocal source of personal growth. In the process
compassionate, both towards our own thoughts and of imparting mindfulness practices to others, my own
emotions and the experiences of those around us. understanding and practice have deepened in many
ways. It has added layers of wisdom, compassion, and
Curiosity encourages us to approach our thoughts insight to my own mindfulness journey, enriching it
and experiences with an open and non-judgmental beyond measure.
mindset. It’s about exploring our inner world with a
sense of wonder and interest, rather than evaluating or My life will feel incomplete without the guiding light
criticizing. of mindfulness. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to the
profound teachings of the Buddha and the numerous
Patience is vital in the practice of mindfulness as it mindfulness mentors who have illuminated my path.
allows us to acknowledge that change takes time. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping the
Rushing through mindfulness exercises can lead to mindfulness journey that I continue to tread, and for
frustration and hinder the development of a deeper that, I am truly thankful. EH
awareness.