#102 Mindfulness - for everyone?

     While books and scientific papers about mindfulness and mindfulness-based therapies such as MBSR, MBCT, ACT, etc are increasing exponentially, many do not formally practice mindfulness at all, or in depth, or for any length of time. 

     Mindfulness is a method for directly, fully engaging with the reality of life. At least subconsciously, most of us know what we're ready for and when. When we're not ready to face some aspect of reality, we can't see it, we become confused, irritated, sleepy, bored - we use a full range of avoidance maneuvers. 

     Even those of us who intentionally start & maintain a dedicated meditation practice, will encounter this same range of avoidance maneuvers, because we naturally tend to resist change. Even star athletes sometimes lack enthusiasm for daily practice. Nevertheless, star athletes continue to practice daily, fully realizing that growing beyond one's comfort zone involves discomfort. Avoiding discomfort is appropriate when it warns us of impending injury. But in learning situations such as mindfulness, we intentionally approach discomfort because it brings about normal growth.

     Reaching our full human potential requires dedicated lifelong transformational learning. As human beings, we have the knowledge, interest, opportunity and persistence to follow through. 
     Now is the only time available to grow up normally.