Lifestyle / Spirituality

Mindfulness – what's the big deal?

By Anthony O'Flynn

Mindfulness is a buzzword today. You probably already know that. It’s gone mainstream. Even sports commentators drop the word ‘mindful’ to display their sophisticated understanding of mindset. But what does it really do? And what does being mindful have to do with the mind.

Ironically, mindfulness is actually going beyond the mind. It negates the ‘monkey mind’ that troubles so many today. Mental health is a serious issue with so many people deeply troubled by their thoughts and emotions.

Why do we take the thoughts in our head to be real? And more importantly why do we take them so seriously.

We often take the thoughts in our head to be who we are. We regard the thoughts as a significant part of our identity.

I am my thoughts would be the evaluation of many even if they did not realise it.

The content and structure of our mind determines our self-worth and our reality.

Yet all of these conclusions are at best inaccurate.

There is a part of our being that perceives the thoughts. This part is the watcher, the observer – the witness.

The one who watches is actually separate from the mind. This is why mindfulness is such a powerful solution to many of the mental challenges in today’s complex world. Over thinking is an epidemic. Many people ask how can I switch this thing off?

The solution is not in the mind itself. It lies outside the domain of the mind. This is why the witness consciousness is the peace that many are searching for.

This aspect of our being is pure awareness. It does not think. It does not do. It is pure being. It never changes. It is eternal. It is beyond space and time. It is pure consciousness.

This essence of your being is always present in a neutral state that simply watches. It does not judge, it is ‘beyond’ the mind.

To access this place simply begin to observe the content of your mind. Notice that when the observer is present there are no thoughts, only silence. Do not judge, analyse or evaluate – be the watcher the witness of your thoughts. Pay attention to what is occurring in each moment. Allow what is coming to unfold. Allow what is going to leave. Be in a continual state of allowing – without expectation or contraction.

This is mindfulness.

We can all access this state 24/7. Some regard this as the highest practice and one that can be utilized continually.

Why continually ruminate over issues that you have no control over such as the past or the future? This moment is the only one that you can ever live. It is the only moment that exists and the only moment in which you can act.

The solution to so many mental health issues is by applying the wisdom of mindfulness. It brings us back to the present moment and connects us with what is enduring and timeless – our essence.

About the author

Anthony O'Flynn

Holistic Life Coach & Mentor, Educator, Author, Inspirational Speaker, Yoga, Meditation, Tantra & Mindfulness Teacher

Anthony is a true pioneer in the field of modern spirituality. His approach allows him to navigate a broad range of topics and modalities while drawing connections and offering profound insights into consciousness and the spiritual path. Anthony’s purpose is to awaken individuals to the power of the human soul and discover a life of true purpose and inspiration.

His ability to link the ancient and the modern provides a bridge between traditional spirituality and a 21st century lifestyle. His approach is insightful and his audience enjoys his spirited humour, profound knowledge and light-hearted style of communicating timeless truths.

Anthony's message expresses a true wisdom that can only be accumulated by well over 20 years of experience on the path, complete with breakthroughs, mistakes, dead-ends, realisations, acceptance and joy for the profound journey of life.

Anthony regards himself as an eternal student but it is the role of awakener and educator that is apparent through the countless workshops, courses, retreats and events that he facilitates. He is a skilled presenter and speaker with an ability to articulately communicate concepts that ‘stick’ with the audience creating many ‘a-ha’ moments and genuine transformations that represent his unique gift.

As a certified life-coach, Anthony is also passionate about personal development and uses the tool of the Enneagram to support the removing of blocks and assist to inspire his clients to be the best version of themselves. Anthony has embraced the path of Tantra since 1999 and he draws on his extensive experience in this field in the teaching of Tantric sexuality.

After studying at university for six years and completing a Masters in Communications at Monash University in Melbourne, Anthony embarked on a global expedition travelling across the globe. Anthony’s life-long interest in mysticism dramatically intensified on a trip to India in 1999, where he began to practice yoga and meditation. This turning point led to a deeper spiritual integration and led Anthony to spend more than two years of his life in India. Anthony deeply immersed himself in the practice of yoga, meditation and studied numerous diverse paths and topics related to spirituality.

Anthony is also the Director of the Paradigm Shift Summit, which is a movement of socially and spiritually aware people who recognise that an awakening is occurring as humanity evolves to a higher more elevated level of consciousness. The Paradigm Shift movement is an expression of the goal of assisting humanity transform to a new level of awareness during this critical transition.

Anthony feels a deep gratitude to live as a spiritual practitioner. He enjoys communicating this critical message and continues to help inspire others to make choices to maximise their own happiness while developing the tranquility of inner peace, presence and true wisdom.