To think there are too many misconceptions about mindfulness

[AliceScarlett]

So much about it in the media, especially in recent years. There doesn't appear to be any middle ground when commenting on it. It's not simple, agreed. But it is also not:

1, A relaxation technique
2, A way to quieten the mind
3, New
4, A remedy for everything
5, A way for capitalism to force the masses to be passive
6, Easy
7, The ultimate way to happiness

I know I'm being precious, but it seriously annoys me.

Has anyone been put off by hearing ignorant comments about it?

It's shit. The mh crisis team I'm under keep telling me to practice it and I have 'lessons' through them. However when the bad thought you're trying not to focus on is "fuck me my head hurts" or "if I get a carving knife I can cut out a few of these nerves" it does nothing but focuses the mind onto those thoughts

It's not a broad based definition to encompass lots of things.

"Yes, Alice, it's to let the interrupting or intrusive thoughts pass non judgmentally, so they can just float away without your mind getting hooked on them, thus [hopefully] avoiding spiraling into anxiety or panic."

Agreed.

Mindfulness doesn't focus the mind more or less on thoughts, it's like looking at rain, rain happens, it comes, it goes.

Lunchpack yes it will make you more aware of them, but you don't have to get involved with them, hold on to them or push them away.

Just do yoga. Find a Buddhist temple and ask about their meditation courses. 'Mindfulness' is just a BS buzzword for something people have done for thousands of years, it's snake oil for people to make money.

Stop and smell the flowers.
Or count to ten before you scream at the knob jockey who nearly killed me at the road about this morning
Is that it?

Lunchpack - have heard mindfulness can be counterproductive for some people, is it worth asking your team if that's the case for you?

Thanks slightly I will do