We practice mindfulness because we suffer from the human condition. We all possess both light and shadow. Mindfulness helps us behave ethically.
We often hear today that mindfulness helps us increase our productivity. This goes against one of the fundamental principles of mindfulness known as “non-striving”. In mindfulness practice we’re not trying to achieve anything, not even enlightenment.
Mindfulness is about remembering to be aware in the present moment. This means we are conscious of the choice we’re making. We are aware of how this choice may impact either ourselves or other people.
Do I truly want to eat another cookie or have that third glass of wine? Do I want to be known as a leader who drives my employees so hard that they must work all weekend? Is sleeping around truly making me happier? What do really get out of bashing my child’s other parent?
We practice mindfulness so that we can be kinder, more compassionate people. We practice mindfulness so that we can ease suffering for self and others. Every other claim of mindfulness is a by-product of something much grander.