Meditation involves observing your thought process without aiming to stop it or achieve a particular mental state. By dedicating time to this practice, you gain insight into how your mind works. The goal is to develop awareness so that thoughts lose their power to control you. By observing thought patterns, you cultivate mastery and reduce their influence on your state of being.

Mindfulness isn't an escape but a direct encounter with reality. It reveals how thoughts shape perceptions, exposes the origins of personal and collective suffering, and unveils motivations behind actions. Rather than avoiding reality, mindfulness confronts and comprehends the complexities of the mind and experiences. It deepens awareness of thoughts and behaviours, fostering a profound connection with the present moment.

Indeed, engaging in meditation practice, even within a group setting, involves personal time, but it should not be misconstrued as a selfish endeavour. The relaxation and heightened focus it fosters can improve listening skills, enhance sensitivity to others' needs, and maintain presence with loved ones, minimizing distractions. Rather than self-indulgence, mindfulness is a gift that enhances connections and enriches interactions with others.

Misunderstanding mindfulness as solely about formal meditation overlooks its broader application. While formal meditation is essential, mindfulness extends to informal practices like fully engaging with nature during a walk or actively listening without anticipating our response. Informal mindfulness involves immersing ourselves fully in daily activities, cultivating heightened awareness and presence in our everyday experiences.

Mindfulness involves more than passive acceptance; it cultivates the ability to initiate thoughtful, compassionate change. Practicing mindfulness empowers us to take skillful action based on heightened awareness and understanding.

An increasing body of rigorous research consistently demonstrates that engaging in mindfulness is beneficial across a spectrum of areas. It proves effective in addressing chronic pain, and various psychiatric conditions, and has been shown to induce structural changes in the brain. The robust scientific foundation of mindfulness practice is well-established.

Fully engaging in the present moment and actively participating in our actions isn't esoteric. While mindfulness is sometimes associated with "new age" spirituality, its essence transcends specific religious or spiritual frameworks. It doesn't require the label of "mindfulness," as people from diverse backgrounds experience moments of complete presence. Importantly, these moments aren't confined to settings with incense, subdued lighting, or soothing music. Mindfulness is a universally accessible state, as ordinary and natural as breathing, available to everyone at any time.

When 1 in 5 children experience mental health difficulties and half of mental health issues develop by age 14, it becomes evident how important it is for children to access the support they need.  Exercises to promote mindfulness  have been shown to reduce rumination, improve focus, and help children and feel less anxious and stressed.

Mindfulness is not a panacea, and it should be viewed as a valuable tool in a broader context of supportive measures for children's mental well-being. Incorporating mindfulness practices can be a proactive and beneficial approach, but it is important to complement it with other strategies and resources to address the unique needs of a child.