When we use the term mindfulness, we refer to “an openhearted, moment to moment, non-judgmental awareness†(Kabat-Zinn, 2005, p. 24).
Mindfulness, in a nutshell, can be described as choosing and learning to control the focus of our attention. When we use mindfulness in counselling/psychotherapy, we focus on becoming aware of our internal experience. Helping clients observe and notice their thoughts, feelings, and sensations with acceptance and without dwelling or ruminating on the story of their negative thoughts. This sounds simple but is not easy. The mind can be conditioned and developed into unhelpful thinking, which can become destructive to our well-being.
Studies have revealed that the average person spends a lot of their time thinking about something other than what they are doing in the here and now. By learning to notice your thoughts and feelings you will be able to make better choices and decisions (source).