Mindfulness or full attention is our ability to direct attention to the present moment, with qualities of availability, exploration and without judgment.

What is Mindfulness?

Definition and origin of the word

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In simple terms, Mindfulness, or "full attention" (as it is commonly known in Spanish), is our ability to direct attention to the present moment.

The origin comes from the word "sati" translated from the "pali" language spoken in northern India 2500 years ago in the time of Buddha. Its meaning is "Remember", and it simply refers to "remembering to return to the here and now"

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Mindfulness today in the West

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The practice in the West is primarily focused on stress reduction and the development of compassion.

The main precursor of this movement is Jon Kabat Zinn, who in the late 70s introduced the practice to help patients with different diseases. The purpose was to help them go through these painful processes with as little suffering as possible.

In particular, neuroscience has accompanied this evolution with many investigations that tested its effectiveness and efficacy.

Over the years, the programs have been extended to other types of fields and contexts (psychology, education, organizations, etc.), generating very positive results in terms of the way the different activities are carried out.

Since then, the concept of Mindfulness has been "redefined" as "the state of consciousness that arises from paying attention intentionally, to the present moment and without judgment."

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Benefits of the practice

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1) Stay more "anchored" in the present moment, which helps:

o Reduce stress and anxiety caused by tendencies to overproject into the future

o Reduce systematic suffering caused by memories, emotions and thoughts that come from the past

o Be more aware of our conditioning and mental patterns, and their influence when perceiving reality

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2) Improve our ability to pay attention and concentration,it which helps:

o Become more sensitive and perceptive

o Develop a space with greater interior stability 

o Respond to different challenges with greater timeliness and precision

o Improve the decision-making process 

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3) Gradual development of positive qualities (confidence, discipline, compassion, wisdom, etc.), which helps:

o Improve knowledge and relationship with ourselves

o Generate states of greater connection and empathy with the world around us

o Face stressful situations with openness, compassion and firmness

o Cultivate a sense of “internal” well-being, beyond “external” circumstances

o Improve our flexibility and ability to adapt to changes}