Unveiling Mindfulness: Dispelling Myths and Taking the First Step

Mindfulness has become a buzzword in recent years, but there's still a lot of confusion about what it really means. At Brave Spaces, we believe it's crucial to clarify what mindfulness isn’t to help dispel some of the myths surrounding it. One of the core aspects we emphasise is understanding our first step in practising mindfulness.

What Mindfulness Isn't
Mindfulness isn't about making your thoughts stop. Our brains are designed to think constantly, and this process only ceases when we die. The goal of mindfulness is not to eliminate thoughts but to bring our attention back to ourselves and become aware of what's happening in the present moment, as opposed to the stories we create around those events.

Anchoring in the Present
A powerful way to anchor ourselves in the present is by becoming acutely aware of our bodies. Ask yourself: How am I feeling? How am I breathing? What's true in this moment versus the story I'm telling myself about it? This practice is like developing a muscle; the more we exercise it, the clearer and more present we become.

When we're engaged with the truth of our present experience, it profoundly influences how we perceive the external world. Humans are meaning-making machines. We seek to assign meaning to every moment.

Choosing Our Narrative
By practising mindfulness, we gain the ability to choose the narrative we attach to our experiences. Without mindfulness, our subconscious mind tends to operate from a place of fear, reinforcing beliefs like "I'm not enough," "I'm not worthy," or "I'll be betrayed." Mindfulness empowers us to break free from these automatic responses and approach life with a sense of clarity and intention.

The Journey Within
Embarking on the journey into our inner world begins with mindfulness. At Brave Spaces, this foundational practice is integral to all our programs. Mindfulness is about reconnecting with what’s true in our bodies and what we’re genuinely experiencing. This step is the cornerstone of our inner work, as it helps us understand the reality of our thoughts and feelings.

Encouragement to Begin
I encourage you to take this brave step into mindfulness. Start by tuning into your body and acknowledging your present experience. This initial step, though seemingly small, is one of the most significant you'll take on your journey to self-discovery and inner peace.

Embrace Mindfulness with Brave Spaces
At Brave Spaces, we offer guidance and support as you embark on this transformative journey. Our programs are designed to help you cultivate mindfulness and integrate it into your daily life.

Remember, the first step to mindfulness is simply bringing your attention to the present moment and being aware of what's truly happening within and around you.

Step in,

Be brave,

Andrew