Mindfulness

Although linked to Zen Buddhism, this is not a religious concept. It's super important though, and it's another thing that should be taught in schools - it's so basic to life! I have not been practicing this nearly enough, but just knowing about it makes a difference. Psychology Today says "Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience." If you think about it, we've all got thoughts constantly going through our heads, about things that have happened in the past or may happen in the future. It's like a constant noise going on, and it causes anxiety. Just stopping to "be present" and "pay attention" can have a dramatic effect on anxiety. Mindfulness has not have the "goal" per se of combating anxiety, but I do believe it has that effect. It puts things in perspective, and you are actually present for your life as it unfolds. Phil Jackson used on the Bulls too - and hey, if it's good enough for  MJ...