As my best friend embarked on her journey as a young English lecturer, fresh out of university and brimming with enthusiasm, she quickly realised that the classroom was a realm of its own, capable of both inspiring and intimidating a person. While her timid nature had been her companion for as long as I could remember, suddenly it became her adversary in this new role. Each day, she faced nearly 150 students and the weight of their anticipation bore down on her.
She had narrated to me how, during one particularly challenging class, when her voice quivered and her palms turned clammy, she received an unexpected summon. The head of the English department, a stern and unyielding figure, had summoned her to his office. As she stood before his desk, he spared no time in getting to the point. He informed her that he had never encountered a lecturer as inept as her. He didn’t mince any words—she was, in his eyes, utterly useless and worthless. Tears rolled down her cheeks and she got out of there as fast as she could. She took the next bus home and cried all the way back.
The words he spoke that day echoed in her mind for years to come. My friend became a prisoner of her past, locked in a cycle of replaying that moment, each time hoping to find a way to change the outcome. But the past is an unyielding force and no amount of dwelling could alter it.
It was during this period of inner turmoil and self-doubt that she stumbled upon the transformative power of mindfulness. Seeking solace and guidance in a bid to regain her confidence and a sense of control, she turned to literature and found in it the power of mindfulness prodding her in the right direction. Along with me, she delved into books that explored the depths of mindfulness. In the pages of these books, we discovered the profound wisdom of living in the present and the art of accepting oneself, strengths and weaknesses et al. A few years later, my friend became a researcher and has since made valuable contribution in the subject. She credits mindfulness with her success story.
Join us as we explore five mindfulness books to help you relax or de-stress.
Thich Nhat Hanh, a Zen master and renowned mindfulness teacher, invites readers to embrace the simple yet transformative practice of mindfulness. Through this book, he demonstrates how ordinary activities like walking, eating and breathing can become profound sources of awareness and inner peace.
“The Miracle of Mindfulness” provides practical exercises and meditations that empower individuals to cultivate mindfulness in their daily lives.
Mindfulness is a mental practice that involves paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement or thoughts.
Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. It can improve focus and concentration and promotes a greater sense of overall wellbeing.
Mindfulness itself is a secular practice that does not require adherence to any specific religious or spiritual tradition. It can be practised by individuals from diverse backgrounds and belief systems. It can be practised anywhere in the world.
Mindfulness is accessible to anyone, regardless of their meditation experience. It can be learned through guided exercises, classes or self-help resources, making it suitable for beginners as well as those with experience in meditation.
You can integrate mindfulness into your daily life by starting with short practices, such as a few minutes of mindful breathing or a mindful walk. Consistency matters more than duration, so finding moments throughout the day to pause and practice mindfulness can be highly effective, even for those with busy schedules.
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