Principles of Mindfulness

Essentials by Jon Kabat-Zinn · Guided by NL MINDFUL

The Principles of Mindfulness, developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn build the scientific foundation of international Mindfulness research: We explore them in our Mindfulness training week by week, making them tangible in daily life.

At NL MINDFUL in Hamburg, we explore the Principles of Mindfulness and learn to apply them within our practice — building a stable and sustainable foundation for mental health and body balance.

At NL MINDFUL, we expand Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn’s 7 Core Principles of Mindfulness by adding two additional principles: Self-Compassion and Awareness. These two essentials are grounded in research from UCLA and Oxford University, the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, and the Self-Compassion Studies of Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer.

Principles by Jon Kabat Zinn · Guided by NL MINDFUL

1. Patience
Mindfulness teaches us to give ourselves the time we need. Patience reduces pressure, eases frustration and regulates expectations toward ourselves and others.

2. Beginner’s Mind
Approaching situations as if for the very first time. Beginner’s mind interrupts habitual thinking patterns and allows us to discover new perspectives in everyday experiences.

3. Non Judging
The human mind constantly evaluates. Mindfulness means noticing these judgments without fighting or suppressing them. Awareness of the inner commentary reduces reactivity and increases mental clarity.

4. Letting Go
Clinging to thoughts, emotions, or expectations creates stress. Mindfulness encourages us to observe experiences as they arise and to let them pass. Releasing brings flexibility, freedom, and inner calm.

5. Trust
To rely on our own ability to meet life, even in moments of discomfort. Building trust in our inner resources strengthens Resilience and fosters confidence in facing challenges.

6. Non-Striving
Mindfulness is not about reaching a perfect state. It is about allowing ourselves space & time, supporting ourselves in the present moment. When balance returns, action follows naturally.

7. Acceptance
Acceptance is the willingness to be with what is (Diana Winston). It means seeing clearly what can and cannot be changed. It is not resignation, but the ground for balanced action and peace of mind.

NL MINDFUL · Additions

8. Self-Compassion
Research shows that Self-compassion lowers cortisol, increases oxytocin, and builds resilience. At NL MINDFUL, Kindness toward oneself is transforming the inner critic into a supportive voice.

9. Awareness
Awareness is at the core of Mindfulness. Each moment of waking up to the present experience widens our capacity for clarity and choice. Awareness transforms automatic reaction into conscious response.

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Japanese Tee Ceremony

The Principles of Mindfulness represent both philosophy and applied practice. They are not rigid rules that have to be memorized. We explore them in our Mindfulness training and apply them in daily life, supporting stress regulation and resilience. At NL MINDFUL we explore Beginner’s Mind in our Tea Mind Meditation:

The tea ceremony teaches us to meet each moment as if for the very first time — with openness, curiosity, and a quiet sense of wonder. In this spirit, we cultivate a morning routine that is both alert and at ease, allowing the start of the day to become a graceful and nourishing moment for ourselves.

Leave us a message to get the Tea Mind Meditation for free: contact@northletters.com

Just this moment · Just this breath · Just this cup of tea

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