Mindfulness

• mindfulness is an ability to be fully aware of the present moment, without judgement or reactivity
• mindfulness facilitates our self-regulation - an ability to consciously manage (without supressing it) the influence of impulses (such as thoughts, emotions, external conditions) on our behaviour. Thanks to self-regulation, our behaviour isn't governed by impulses, automatic habit patterns, or non-constructive types of emotions, but stays in alignment without inner values and long-term goals.

3 neural mechanisms, through which mindfulness facilitates self-regulation:

1. Attention control - conscious navigation of one's attention (placing, sustaining, shifting attention)
2. Self-awareness - an ability to distinguish knowing mode and being mode of mind and to be able to switch between them based on what is appropriate in that situation
3. Emotion regulation - not reacting impulsively/emotionally (amygdala), but consciously, in alignment to our inner values (prefrontal cortex)

4 mindful attitudes of medical doctor:

1. Attentive observation
2. Curiosity
3. Beginner's mind
4. Presence