Contribution from Jennifer Mitchell, PhD - Senior Program and Operations Director at The Children's Center Utah
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?
In this resource, mindfulness is thought of as intentional and non-judgmental present-moment awareness. This kind of awareness means we are purposefully paying attention to what is happening around us, what is happening inside us, what we are doing, and how we are doing and feeling without judging or analyzing. This ability to focus attention on the present and to maintain that focus is a foundational skill that underlies many other important capacities that we need for health, well-being, and connection with children, families, and others. When adults engage in focusing practices like mindfulness, it helps to build important mental, social, and emotional skills that they need to be responsive supports and effective models.
