The many benefits of mindfulness are being talked about a lot these days. Some mention their increased focus, clarity, and calmness. Some describe it as a sense of peace and relaxation that has taken over their mind. Some talk about a renewed motivation for life.

Sometimes I talk to people who claim they can’t do mindfulness. Yesterday I talked to a woman who said she had joined a yoga group and they did meditation. She said she was unsuccessful and just couldn’t do it.

I personally think we can do or not do what our mind believes we can do or not do. My friend was totally convinced she could not do mindfulness, so there was no way she was going to be able to do it.

If you’re thinking about exploring the practice of mindfulness or meditation, the first step is to have an open mind. Mindfulness does not need to be difficult and it does not need to threaten your faith. The practice of mindfulness can be totally secular or it can be connected to a religion.

Through my podcast, mindfulness mode (www.mindfulnessmode.com), I have talked to a number of people who tell me the key to being successful at mindfulness is having an open mind. I am building a pool of interviews to prepare for the launch of Mindfulness Mode Podcast, later this summer, 2015.

Mindfulness is about being aware. It is also about paying attention to something without judging. If you start out by telling yourself you’re not doing it right, I would agree that you probably would have a difficult time successfully practicing mindfulness.

When I say mindfulness is about being aware, I mean it is about being aware of sensations, feelings, emotions and sounds. Close your eyes for two minutes and be aware of your thoughts, feelings and sensations. Did you notice your mind jumping around to different places? That is completely normal.

The practice of mindfulness is about constantly bringing your mind back to one place. What do I mean by not judging? That simply means do not be critical of yourself for the thoughts, sensations, or emotions you are feeling. Learning to be nonjudgmental can be a long process, but that’s okay.

The reason we say,’ the practice of mindfulness’, is because you just keep practicing the techniques and realizing there will always be room for improvement, no matter who you are or how much mindfulness you ‘ve done in the past.

Mindfulness can reap many rewards, but the most important way to begin a personal practice of mindfulness is to start with an open mind and move forward from there. We can all benefit from being less judgmental of others and ourselves.

If you know an inspiring person who practices mindfulness, please suggest them for an interview on the Mindfulness Mode Podcast. Send an email to bruce@mindfulnessmode.com