Sufrí el efecto Saunders de manera indirecta. Tuve consciencia del “olvidado asombro de estar vivo” gracias al diagnóstico de cáncer de mi hermano. ¿Y cómo puede dar uno gracias por algo tan jodido?
Carl Sagan decía: “Estar a punto de morir es una experiencia tan positiva, tan formadora, que la recomendaría a cualquier persona, salvo, por supuesto por el irreductible y esencial elemento de riesgo”. De esta manera, fue que me enteré de ese fenómeno que Alejandro Gaviria mencionó en su libro Hoy es siempre todavía y definió como “el efecto Saunders”.
La historia que compartió de George Saunders se resume en que un día casi muere en un accidente de avión, la muerte lo rozó. Sintió que su fin era inminente, afortunadamente para él y los demás pasajeros del vuelo, el piloto logró aterrizar de emergencia. Los siguientes días se convirtieron en un estado de excitación máxima por las pequeñas cosas.
“Disfrutaba cada instante. Saboreaba cada bocado. Apreciaba todos los colores, todos los pliegues de la realidad. Había recuperado su capacidad de asombro. La inminencia de la muerte le había devuelto la vida.”
Understanding Mindfulness
Originating from Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness is a form of meditation that involves bringing one's full attention to the present moment. It's about acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations without being judgmental or allowing distractions. This focus on the present moment enables us to break free from the chains of past worries or future anxieties and instead immerse ourselves in the present moment. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present, paying full attention to where we are, what we're doing, and not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what's going on around us.
The Profound Benefits of Mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness yields a plethora of benefits. From a scientific perspective, it's been proven that mindfulness reduces stress and anxiety. It's also known to improve concentration and overall well-being. By cultivating an awareness of the present moment, mindfulness allows us to better understand our emotions and reactions. It fosters empathy, promoting a better understanding of ourselves and those around us.
In addition to mental benefits, mindfulness also offers physical benefits. Regular practice can significantly improve sleep quality, thereby boosting energy levels and reducing fatigue. It can enhance cognitive function, promote clearer thinking, and improve decision-making skills. Furthermore, mindfulness encourages a more positive outlook on life, which contributes to a happier and more fulfilling life.
How to Practice Mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can be uncomplicated. It could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, observe your surroundings, or tune into your bodily sensations. It's about being fully present in the moment, no matter what you're doing. Whether you're eating, walking, working, or even doing household chores, you can practice mindfulness. The key lies in being fully present and engaged in the moment, paying attention to each sensation as it arises and falls, without judgment or distraction.
Conclusion
In our fast-paced, ever-evolving world, the art of mindfulness serves as a powerful tool to navigate life's complexities with greater ease and clarity. Cultivating an awareness of the present moment helps us let go of unnecessary worries and truly live in the moment, fostering a life of peace and tranquillity. No matter where you are in your mindfulness journey, be it a seasoned meditator or a complete beginner, incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can significantly enhance your overall well-being and quality of life. Embrace the art of mindfulness and start living in the moment.