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According to the UK's Financial Times, Mindfulness' is giving stressed-out bankers something to think about'. Apparently, a quiet revolution has been gripping the financially minded of London, who are looking for clarity of thought in a technology dominated world.

 

New Zealand's own TV and radio doctor, regenerative medicine expert Dr Frances Pitsilis, says mindfulness is the Zen Buddhism concept of observing the breath', to cultivate awareness of your thoughts and feelings.

It is a meditation practise that involves a focus to help keep you in the moment. That focus could be music, the act of walking or breathing. It helps people cope with everyday stress. If you are aware what you are thinking and how you are feeling, you can change whatever that state is.

Dr Pitsilis says that in a stressful situation, it is important to pause and identify the reactions you are experiencing, because stress is our interpretation of what is happening to us.

Awareness of your reactions gives you control of those reactions and with that the ability to change your response to achieve a more peaceful state.

How to practise mindfulness

One way to start practising mindfulness would be to go for a walk.

On the walk, notice how the ground feels beneath your feet. Focus on it;

Notice the smells in the air, the wind on your skin; the sounds and scenes around you;

Accept what you notice without forming an opinion or judgement of it, and move on to the next thing;

Distractions, noise and irritations are inevitable. Pretend they're like the carriages of a passing train, moving past quickly;

Go back to focusing on the music, or your breath or the walk you are experiencing.

If you suddenly feel itchy or uncomfortable, scratch the itch or adjust your position to get rid of the discomfort because distractions, even thoughts, can't actually be blocked out.

Just notice that you're thinking about something or alleviate the discomfort and return yourself to your focus. Practise will make it easier, says Dr Pitsilis.

 

The benefits, particularly for those who work under pressure, include better ability to cope with problems, achieve better concentration and health.