Mindfulness: Why I refuse to adopt this buzzword. A Personal Perspective

by gemma montgomery December 3, 2024

The word mindfulness is everywhere these days. Although I agree with the deeper meaning behind it, I don’t like the term.

The word produces connotations of the mind being FULL!

We don’t want the mind to be full. We want to quiet the mind and reduce the chatter and auto loop that the mind’s constantly running in the background. We can then begin to realise that we are not the mind or even the body.

To me mindfulness sounds like work. It implies that there is something else to do, another task to fulfil, something else we must strive for.

The aim is to simply be, to surrender, to not try, but to simply exist, breathe and feel without incorporating the mind.

It’s allowing the mind to be a useful tool, not a destructive enemy and ultimately knowing, we are not our thoughts.

Personal Development and Embracing Sensitivity

As the creator of Timeless Aesthetics & wellbeing, I’m a dedicated advocate for personal development and spirituality.

I’ve lived and breathed this my whole life and would go as far as to say it’s my true life’s work and the thing I put WAY before my business.

I truly believe that true beauty begins within. Connecting and aligning with your true essence, your soul is truly how you glow, how you begin to lead life from your intuition and how you magnetise and attract all the good stuff.

As a child I was labelled too sensitive, a worrier and was sold the narrative that it wasn’t normal to be this way in the world. I was really sensitive to feelings and atmospheres. I found primary school somewhat harsh and difficult at times due to this, especially the energy from the teachers and moving to 3 different schools.

I’d attempt to shut these parts of myself down, believing It was weak and shameful.

Little did I know that accepting these gifts with age and nurturing them, would be my greatest gift. It’s allowed me to trust my instincts and follow my intuition, which i believe has been my biggest strength in business and life.

A Personal Journey

As well as being a Registered Nurse Prescriber, I’m also a qualified Strala Yoga Guide, having trained extensively in New York, Berlin, and London. This only serendipitously came after years of struggling with several severe burn outs and anxiety attacks (more on that another time).

It deepened my understanding of the mind / body connection and how our past experiences are stored within every cell, even years later after the event and often driving every decision we make on a subconscious level.

I began to understand how working with the breath and body can help maintain presence and assist in diffusing stored trauma from within the body. I discovered that the inner work is fundamental for ageing well both physically and psychologically, helping us to thrive on every level.

The Power of Presence

I openly admit, I can struggle to maintain presence. I can become easily caught up and distracted, so presence is definitely something I have to keep working on to cultivate.

The practice of maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, offers a multitude of benefits. Let’s explore some of the key advantages supported by scientific research.

1. Stress Reduction

Presence is a powerful tool for reducing stress, which is a major factor in skin and health problems. Focusing on the present moment, helps reduce the tendency to ruminate on past events or worry about the future. Research has shown that Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs are effective in lowering stress levels, which in turn can lead to clearer, healthier skin.

2. Improvement in Mental Health

Mental health and physical appearance are deeply connected. Presence practices have been proven to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. For example, a study on emergency room personnel found that mindfulness practice reduced anxiety, depression, and burnout, which are crucial for maintaining overall well-being and a youthful appearance.

3. Enhanced Cognitive Function

Practicing presence enhances cognitive functions, including attention, memory, and executive functioning. These cognitive improvements can help you stay focused on your personal development goals and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Research indicates that meditation can improve inhibition, a key component of executive functioning.

4. Physical Health Benefits

A regular practice of breathing and meditation can leads to numerous physical health benefits, such as improved heart rate, better breathing, and enhanced autonomic nervous system function. For pregnant women, mindfulness practices have been linked to better maternal health and improved social-emotional development in infants.

5. Emotional Regulation

Presence can help us manage emotions effectively, reducing emotional reactivity, and enhancing emotional regulation.

When we master reactivity, we learn that it’s us who holds the power in deciding how we feel and that we get to decide how we respond. By choosing to preserve our inner peace, we see life begins to flow more effortlessly.

This is essential for maintaining a positive outlook and managing stress, which directly impacts skin health and ageing. Studies have shown that mindfulness can decrease negative affect and improve emotional health.

6. Improved Relationships and Social Interactions

Presence positively impacts social interactions and relationships by enhancing self-awareness and reducing emotional reactivity. This leads to healthier and more fulfilling relationships, contributing to overall happiness and well-being.

Helpful every day techniques

1.Soften

Take a moment each day to become aware of your body. How are you holding yourself? Are you carrying unnecessary tension for the task you’re performing?

I began to notice I would have my shoulders up in a shop queue. I would be hunched, or holding tension in my face, neck, head and shoulders. I would be holding my breath sat at my computer or on my phone, breathing shallow, rather than full and deep.

Begin to notice. Slowly drop the tension from the body and begin to breathe full and deep. Use your breath as a tool to help move you.

2. Breathe

With less tension and rigidity in your body, slowly bring your awareness to your breath. Take a big breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Notice the sensation, the feel of the air moving in and out of your body, the gentle rise and fall of your chest. If your mind begins to wander that’s normal, just bring it back to present moment awareness of the breath. You may begin to notice you’ve been breathing shallow, or that your chest feels tight. It may feel restrictive and unfamiliar at first to breathe deeply. Awareness is good, just keep going nice and full and deep without judgement.

3. Mindful Walking

While walking, focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the movement of your legs, and the rhythm of your steps. You may feel the sensation of the light breeze on your skin, or the gentle warmth of the sun, or droplets of rain. Really notice your surroundings without getting caught up in thoughts. Almost like you’re looking at a tree, the colours the details for the very first time.

4. Mindful Eating

Pay full attention to the experience of eating. Take your time, chew more before swallowing. Be grateful for the food that’s given it’s life for you, which will now become a part of you. Observe the colour, texture and aroma of your food. Take small bites, and savour the taste.

5. Gratitude Journaling

At the end of each day, write down three things you are grateful for that day. This practice helps shift your focus to positive aspects of your life, fostering appreciation and well-being. If journaling isn’t your thing, simply choose to reflect on things that went well throughout your day as you lay in bed.

6. Mindful Listening

When conversing with others, give your full attention to the speaker without planning your response. Notice their words, tone, and body language.

7. Guided Meditations

Use apps or online resources offering guided sessions tailored to various needs, such as stress reduction, sleep improvement, and emotional regulation.

I personally love the app developed by Sadhguru.

Other popular apps include Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer. You tube also have great free videos.

Find what resonates with YOU.

While mindfulness has become a popular term, it’s important to find what resonates with you personally.

For me, it’s about cultivating presence, embracing my sensitivity, and integrating practices that truly align with my journey of personal development and well-being. Music helps me feel present and can instantly shift my state.

Don't forget to have fun. Spirituality isn't about being serious, it's about the expansion of joy. Find things that make you laugh and try not to take life so seriously.

By focusing on these daily techniques and fostering a deeper connection with ourselves, we can navigate life with greater ease, authenticity, and grace.

After all, true beauty and well-being start from within, learning to be uniquely you and shining bright.

Gemma x

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