The benefits of practising mindfulness to reduce stress, enhance enjoyment of life and improve general health were discussed at the latest instalment of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) Ask the Expert series, featuring psychologist and learning support specialist Dr Robert Beilke.
The Ask the Expert initiative is part of WCM-Q’s Sahtak Awalan: Your Health First campaign, which aims to equip all members of Qatar’s community with the knowledge and motivation to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Mindfulness utilises meditation, relaxation techniques and intentional awareness in the present to help people achieve
balance, fulfilment and happiness in their lives.
Dr Beilke said: “Mindfulness is about learning to increase our moment-by-moment awareness so that we can live more fully in the present, rather than being preoccupied and distracted by the past or the future. This sounds slightly abstract but in reality it is quite practical. For example, we can be so distracted by getting to a destination that we do not even
remember a car journey.”
“Sadly, we can be so focused on achieving goals for ourselves or our loved ones, or so plagued by regrets, that we forget to enjoy our day-to-day lives. Mindfulness teaches us to be more fully in the present moment and to enjoy the meal, enjoy and be enriched by the journeys we take, and really appreciate each moment of our lives.”
Dr Beilke led the audience through a brief meditation session, explaining that just five or 10 minutes per day of focusing one’s mind can be extremely beneficial. Contrary to common perceptions, mediation does not have to involve sitting cross-legged on  the
floor or lighting candles.
“Just find a quiet space and give yourself a few moments to relax and slow the momentum of your mind by attending to your breath,” said Dr Beilke. “A key element of mindfulness is to approach these practices with a non-judgmental stance. If you find your mind wandering while meditating, don’t feel like you have failed because our minds do this naturally. Simply acknowledge your mind has wandered and gently bring your attention back to the breath.
“Scans have shown that the pre-frontal cortex area of the brain, which is involved in decision-making, insight and reflection, and planning complex behaviour, becomes more developed and active. Meanwhile, areas such as the amygdala, which are thought to be heavily involved in the fear reaction, anger and anxiety, appear to become less active.”