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Whole Health

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Mindful Awareness

A man practicing Tai Chi

Mindful Awareness

Overview

Mindful awareness is at the heart of Whole Health. It means noticing what is happening when it happens — paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and without judgment. Mindfulness helps you to be aware of thoughts and feelings as you experience them. A key part of mindfulness noticing how things affect you without labeling them “good” or “bad.”

Practicing mindfulness is the doorway connecting you to all aspects of your health and well-being.

Why does mindful awareness matter?

Overall, mindfulness improves well-being by reducing stress, developing resilience, managing pain, increasing focus, and improving anxiety and depression. As you practice mindfulness, you will deepen your appreciation of your own life.

Here's more

Most of us go through the day on “autopilot” — thoughts and feelings fill our minds, and we don’t notice them.

Practicing mindfulness allows you to know what is happening in your mind and body. For example, you can notice what you’re eating and how it makes you feel. This can help you live your life more fully, with all its joys and challenges.

Take action

There are many ways to practice mindful awareness, but the easiest way is to simply start to notice what is happening around you and inside of you on a regular basis. The next time you have a feeling of discomfort or pain, stop and notice it. If you feel cold, stop and notice. If a thought comes up that brings you joy, stop and notice. Noticing without judging is the key to mindful awareness. These small moments of mindful awareness will start to expand when you begin to practice.

There are formal and informal ways to practice mindfulness such as meditation, grounding, guided imagery, even art and music. Yoga, Tai Chi, and qigong combine mindfulness and physical movement, so you strengthen your mind and body at the same time.

Many VA medical centers offer in-person or virtual activities related to mindfulness. Contact your VA facility to find out about local Whole Health offerings.

Explore further

Check out these resources to learn more about mindful awareness and try some short mindfulness exercises.

  1. Live Whole Health #205: Peace in the present - VA News
  2. Mind-Body Connection Improves Mood for Veteran - Whole Health (va.gov)
  3. Mindfulness Coach | VA Mobile
  4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Resources for Veterans | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)
  5. Learn about Whole Health activities at your local VA facility.

Videos

Four Ways to Cultivate Mindfulness
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