Nine Mindfulness Tips from Jon Kabat-Zinn

Nine Attitudes of Mindfulness

In the following shorts series of videos, Jon Kabat-Zinn shares 9 mindfulness tips. The first 7 have been referred to as the 7 attitudinal foundations of mindfulness in his book Full Catastrophe Living. However, Jon has indicated he would look at adding another 2 – gratitude and generosity.

Following is a brief outline of each of the nine attitudes of mindfulness.

Introduction to the 9 Attitudes of Mindfulness

Beginners mind –

A mind that is willing to see everything as if for the first time with fresh curiosity and vitality.

Non-judging –

Assuming the stance of impartial witness to any experience (i.e. your thoughts, feelings or body sensations).

Letting go –

Simply letting things be as they are – with no need to try and let go of whatever is present.

Acceptance –

Bringing openness to, kindness towards and welcoming of experience just as it is in the moment.

Trust –

A faith in the validity of our own experience and allowing you to see for yourself (from your experience) what is true and untrue.

Patience –

Involves balance and fostering wisdom. Equanimity allows you to be with change with greater wisdom and compassion.

Non-striving –

An attitude of willingness to allow the present to be the way it is without trying to fix things. Striving may interfere with fully knowing the present and so being able to respond to it rather than to react.

Gratitude and Generosity –

These are the extra two attitudes Jon said he would add to the 7. Being grateful for being alive and giving to others, which shows you care.

Over to You…

I hope this article has given you some insights to mindfulness and the 9 tips are useful. What was your biggest takeaway? If you have any further questions, please comment below or on our Facebook page here.

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Reference

Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. New York, USA: Bantam Dell.