What is Mindfulness and Why practice it?

Jon Kabat Zinn, recognised as the founder of Modern Day Mindfulness, defines mindfulness as: “The awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment.”  In other words, it is about focusing more on what is happening NOW, not what has happened or might happen.  Mindfulness has the ability to open your heart to what is really happening in life by switching off the auto pilot and the ruminating, overthinking Mind.   Imagine what it would be like if your thinking Mind took a backseat occasionally, rather than driving you to feel, do and say things that create stress, sadness, pain and discomfort?  Mindfulness Practice has a strong evidence base as an effective treatment for a range of social, emotional, relational, physical and psychological problems.  Whether in a Yoga class, workshop or therapy session, at dhamma and co. mindfulness is the foundation on which a class, relationship or teaching is built.  Here is Jon Kabat Zinn describing some of the benefits of mindfulness.