Mindfulness is everywhere, from workplace seminars to phone apps. Yet for many people, the line between hearing about it and actually practicing it remains unclear.

When used consistently, mindfulness can help address overthinking, anxiety and depression. These are topics Dr. Sophie Lazarus, a psychologist, and I will explore together in an upcoming webinar later this month.

There are many myths about mindfulness, such as the idea that it is meditation, that you need to completely clear your mind of thoughts, or that it is a philosophy instead of an experience. Mindfulness is a skill that can be developed; it’s about awareness of the present moment and your current thoughts, not about trying to control your thoughts. Our minds naturally wander, even while practicing mindfulness. That is what our brains do. it does not mean that you are doing it wrong if your mind becomes distracted.

Mindfulness can be practiced while doing other things, such as walking, eating, listening to someone or working. You may get results from mindfulness, but the goal is to become aware, not necessarily to feel calm or relaxed. Sometimes when I am practicing mindfulness, I notice that I am tired or have a stomachache. This is information is useful because mindful awareness can to action. Mindfulness is evidence-based, secular, and used in all sorts of settings. Here at the The Ohio State University, there are many mindfulness-based courses. 

In the webinar on May 28 from 11 a.m. to noon, Dr. Sophie Lazarus and I will discuss our practices of mindfulness, the science behind it, a short mindfulness exercise, and introduce the courses Dr. Lazarus offers. Please join us by visiting this link and registering: Living in the Present: A Conversation about Mindfulness in Daily Life.