What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is simply keeping our attention focused in the present moment. It is paying attention to the sights, sounds and physical sensations that are occurring right now. In mindful awareness, we also notice our thoughts and emotions as they happen. We accept the reality of each moment as it is, without trying to fix or change anything.

Why practice mindfulness?

Our normal mental state is called autopilot. When on autopilot, our minds are thinking about the past or future. Autopilot thinking often leads to unhappiness and dissatisfaction because it wants reality to be different than it is. We also miss the joy of each moment because we are reminiscing about the past or worrying about the future. By practicing mindfulness, we can move out of autopilot and fully experience our lives moment-by-moment.

What is meditation?

Meditation is training our minds so that we can keep our attention where we want it. In mindfulness meditation, we keep our attention focused in the present moment. We often use the breath as an anchor for our attention because the breath is always happening right now.

How do I start to practice mindfulness?

You can start a mindfulness practice today.

Watch Dr. Marchand’s free mindfulness instruction video.

Sign up for Dr. Marchand’s Newsletter and Blog and download a free guided meditation audio.

Start your mindfulness practice by doing five to ten minutes of sitting meditation each day. Here are some tips to get you started.

How do I keep my mindfulness practice going?

It is important to try to practice mindfulness mediation every day. We are all busy, so it is easy to forget or not find the time. One way to keep the practice going is to have a group to practice with. There may be meditation groups in your local area that you can practice with. Please also join our online community to support your practice. [Newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn]. Dr. Marchand provides regular meditation tips and hosts discussions to help you continue and deepen your practice.