Mindfulness is paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and not dwelling in the past or projecting into the future. With all the distractions we have today with smart phones, laptops, iPads and iPods, it’s no wonder that Americans report feeling stressed, scattered and overwhelmed. Lucky for us, the most recent research by neuroscientists shows that 10 minutes of meditation a day is all that is required to have positive results. Patients have reported significant reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms after a mindfulness intervention such as MBCT (Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy) or from a daily meditation practice. 

But for some of us even that can be challenging. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Sharon Salzberg, a meditation teacher and co-founder of Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA. When I shared with her my struggles with meditation she said to strive for “many moments, many times a day.” So whether it’s 10 minutes or more a day or many moments a day, it’s worth a try to see if you can experience the positive results from practicing mindfulness. 

For those who are interested in learning more about meditation or for those interested in deepening their meditation practice, South Shore Insight Meditation Center in Hanover, MA offers workshops, classes and sittings throughout the week. They can be contacted at www.ssimc.org  

Sheila Scott Gordon LICSW