Foundations by Dr. Jon Kabat Zinn
Rooted in Tradition.Guided by NL MINDFUL
With Beginner’s Mind, we see the world as if for the very first time
The Principles of Mindfulness are simple yet powerful guidelines for our Mindfulness practice. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn described these attitudes as companions on the journey — qualities we can cultivate to meet life with greater balance and clarity. At NL MINDFUL in Hamburg, we follow these principles as the academic and practical foundation of our program — and we add two core attitudes: Self-Compassion and Awareness, which deepen the ground of mindfulness practice.
DE Die Grundlagen unseres Achtsamkeitsprogramms basieren auf den Prinzipien von Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn. Diese Haltungen – ergänzt durch Selbstmitgefühl und Gewahrsein bei NL MINDFUL – geben der Praxis Tiefe und Orientierung.
The Seven Principles by Dr. Jon Kabat Zinn
1. Patience
Mindfulness invites us to allow things to unfold in their own time. We practice giving ourselves space and trusting that growth comes gradually, step by step.
DE Geduld – Die Dinge sich entfalten lassen.
2. Beginner’s Mind
With beginner’s mind, we see the world as if for the very first time — fresh, curious, free from assumptions. Even something as simple as eating an orange becomes a rich, new experience.
DE Im Geiste des Anfangs – die Welt sehen, wie zum allerersten Mal.
3. Non-Judging
The mind judges constantly, often harshly. In mindfulness we notice this inner voice without fighting it. The moment we recognize judgment, awareness has already begun.
DE Nicht-Urteilen – Wahrnehmen, ohne zu bekämpfen.
4. Letting Go
Holding tightly can make us feel trapped. In mindfulness, we gently practice releasing thoughts, emotions, or expectations, experiencing the lightness of letting go.
DE Loslassen – Erwartungen, Gedanken, Gefühle.
5. Trust
We learn to trust our own experience. Even difficult emotions like fear or anger are not enemies — they are teachers. Trust grows as we see that we can meet life with resilience and openness.
DE Vertrauen – in das eigene Erleben, in die eigene Resilienz.
6. Non-Striving
Mindfulness is not about fixing or perfecting ourselves. We simply show up for the present moment, letting go of the pressure to achieve or become someone else.
DE Nicht nach etwas Streben – im Moment sein, ohne etwas erreichen zu müssen.
7. Acceptance
Acceptance means being willing to be with what is — not resignation, but a clear seeing of what can be changed, and what cannot. From this clarity, peace arises.
DE Akzeptanz – Klar sehen, was wir verändern können und was nicht
NL MINDFUL Principles: Self-Compassion & Awareness
8. Self-Compassion (NL MINDFUL)
True mindfulness is tender. When we meet ourselves with kindness instead of self-criticism, we nurture the ground for healing and growth.
DE Selbstmitgefühl – Mitgefühl für andere & uns selbst.
9. Awareness (NL MINDFUL)
Awareness is the heart of mindfulness. Each time we wake up to the present moment, we open the door to clarity, choice, and presence.
DE Wach sein/ werden – im Moment mit Klarheit und Präsenz
Why Principles Matter in Mindfulness Training Hamburg
These Mindfulness principles are not rules to follow, but qualities to explore. They remind us that mindfulness is less about doing, and more about being with life as it unfolds. Step by step, they help us return to ourselves with openness, kindness, and presence.
DE Die Prinzipien sind keine Regeln, sondern Einladungen – sie führen zurück zu Präsenz, Klarheit und Mitgefühl.
“Acceptance means being willing to be with what is — not resignation, but a clear seeing of what can be changed, and what cannot. From this clarity, peace arises.“
These principles form the foundation of our Mindfulness Course Hamburg
They also guide simple practices like Walking Meditation
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