Why mindfulness matters

what is mindfulness?

Although mindfulness sometimes seems to have become something of a buzz word in recent years, it’s not a new concept. Contemplation, stillness and presence are at the heart of most major religions, all deep creative work and many alternative and not so alternative therapies.

But what exactly is it?

Mindfulness is both a practice (and something that has to be practised) and an outcome.

It’s about paying attention in the present moment, and bringing a sense of compassionate awareness to what you find there. It’s also about developing a sense of connection with your senses and with the people and world around you.

Sometimes mindfulness comes easily - and sometimes not so much.

And it’s something that’s more important than ever in our ‘always on’, electronically connected world.

developing a sense of mindfulness

There’s now a large (and growing) body of evidence around the benefits of a regular mindfulness meditation practice, both for our minds and our bodies.

Formal exercises, like meditation, can help you to become more mindful. But this isn’t the only way: mono-tasking, the flow of creative acts, spending sensory time in nature or taking time over a cup of hot chocolate are all ways to feed this sense of awareness.

Many people who have tried mindfulness meditation have found it difficult to start with and get concerned by a wandering mind. But noticing your mind is wandering and where its wandering are actually part of developing a sense of mindfulness.

It’s something that can be added in small or large amounts to your day. It might be for one focussed mouthful or a longer meditation practice*, but bringing a little sensory focus and awareness will pay you back in bucketloads.

our connection to mindfulness

Mindfulness is at the very heart of Calm Cocoa. Our founder Meredith is a meditation teacher and has experienced many benefits from her own meditation practice. More mindful eating is also a beautiful habit to form when it comes to enjoying any food or drink, but particularly something as delicious as good chocolate.

You can explore your own mini-meditation while sipping Calm Cocoa, either by reading or watching our Calm Cocoa Meditation. Or you can simply enjoy your hot chocolate somewhere peaceful as a moment of pause in your day.

How will you create your Calm Cocoa moment?

* For certain health and mental health conditions you should always seek advice from your supporting medical team before embarking on an in-depth meditation programme as for some people there can be negative side effects. These conditions include: clinical depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, dissociative identity disorder, PTSD & epilepsy.