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Mindfulness is defined by Psychologist and mindfulness meditation teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” It is an ancient practice that dates back to the beginning of Buddhism almost 2500 years ago.

practicing mindfulness might change areas of the brain responsible for learning, memory, and emotional regulationA recent article in the Boston Globe extolls the benefits of mindfulness programs in helping to ease pain and eating disorders. The article also highlights some interesting new research about what mindfulness can do to the brain. “A recent Massachusetts General Hospital study published in late January in the journal Psychiatry Research even suggests that practicing mindfulness might change areas of the brain responsible for learning, memory, and emotional regulation.”

The article has had me thinking about mindfulness and how to apply it to everyday life. Our lives are filled with constant stimulation and never-ending multi-tasking. It’s no wonder that we have problems paying attention while doing even the simplest task like walking. There are numerous stories being reported recently about people who have been injured because they were texting and not paying attention to where they were walking. We could all do with a little mindfulness.

And then I started to think about my Pilates practice. It is during this exercise that I find I am most mindful – thinking about my every movement and eliminating all other thoughts and distractions so I can think about and feel only my body and what I am striving to achieve. I feel lucky that I’ve found this practice and that I’ve been able to apply the principles of mindfulness to my life as a result of Pilates.

The ability to concentrate and focus is what we strive for from our Pilates workouts but how many people treat their Pilates workout as just another item to do in the day? How many let their minds wander during their Pilates session? I’m finding that the ability of many class participants to focus their energy and apply the concentrated effort and purposeful movement that is required to successfully execute the exercises as Joseph intended is lacking. And, as a result, Pilates for many has become just another exercise type that they can zone out during and this is a shame.

Pilates, not to mention other mind/body exercise methods, can do amazing things for the body and spirit but in order to realize the numerous benefits that this training can bring, you need to be present. You need to breathe. You need to listen your body. You need to actively communicate with your muscles. If you’re thinking about a business meeting or dinner plans or your cell phone ringing you cannot be present and will not be successful in your practice.

We need to get back to the basics of concentration and control during our mind/body exercise practices, taking the time to focus on ourselves, eliminate outside distractions, be present and mindful. As a trainer I am putting more energy into helping clients be present during their sessions and hope that they will find some way to become more mindful because we can all use a little more of this ancient practice in our modern life.