Principles of Mindfulness · Jon Kabat Zinn

FOUNDATIONS · JON KABAT-ZINN

The Principles by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn
are regarded as the foundation of Mindfulness.
They shape how Mindfulness is understood.
We explore how to apply them to your
Mindfulness practice and in daily life.
Two additional essentials at NL MINDFUL:
Awareness and Self-Compassion

Patience

Giving ourselves space & time

The attitude of patience:
Allowing time for the process.
Letting things evolve over time.
Noticing how quickly
we want results.
Patience creates space between
expectation and reality,
supporting inner calm.

Beginner’s Mind

Seeing things in their original freshness

Beginner’s Mind means:
Approaching experiences
as if for the first time.
Stepping outside habitual thinking,
meeting situations with openness
and curiosity.

Non-Judging

Noticing the inner judging voice

Much of our experience is accompanied
by silent evaluation.
Mindfulness invites us to notice
the inner commentary,
without identifying with it.
Non-Judging brings greater clarity
in perception and thinking.

Letting Go

Clinging can feel like being trapped

Holding tightly to thoughts,
emotions, or expectations
can intensify stress.
Letting Go does not mean indifference.
It means recognising that experience
is constantly changing
and allowing the movement
rather than tightening around it.

Trust

Trust in our capacity to meet life

Trust refers to confidence in our capacity
to meet life, as it unfolds, including
challenging moments.
Trust can be supportive when we face
uncertainty and difficulties.
It helps us turn to our own experience
with inner steadiness and self-care.

Non-Striving

An invitation to pause

Mindfulness is not about perfection
or performance.
Non-Striving invites us to pause,
letting go the constant effort
to improve, fix, or achieve.
From a more balanced state of mind,
wise decisions become possible.

Acceptance

The willingness to be with what is

Acceptance means acknowledging
present conditions clearly, without resignation.
It involves recognising the difference
between what can be changed
and what cannot be changed.
Acceptance is the basis for
reflection and inner calm.

NL MINDFUL Additions

Awareness

Waking up to the present moment

Awareness lies at the centre
of Mindfulness practice.
Conscious perception creates space
between stimulus and response.
It can contribute to greater clarity
and supports a mindful response
to everyday stressors.

Compassion

A kind and balanced mind

Research describes Self-Compassion
as an inner attitude that supports
a balanced mind.
Under pressure, many people respond
with harsh self-criticism.
Cultivating Self-Compassion offers
a different response, one that is kind
and supportive rather than reactive.

“With self-criticism we are both
the attacker and the attacked.“ Neff/Germer

Tea Mind

A quiet sense of wonder

At NL MINDFUL we practice
Beginner’s Mind with a mindful morning.
With a mindset that is focused
and calm at the same time.
With a clear intention to be present.
Tea Mind is a gentle mental reminder
for slowing down and appreciating
the simplicity and gracefulness of the moment.
Being here. Not already somewhere else.
Preparing your breakfast with a kind of wonder.
Placing objects in the kitchen slowly.
Aware of all the beauty in this moment.

Awareness of the senses
Eating food slowly.
Relaxing your belly.
Focusing on your breathing.
Eating a piece of fruit.
Touching: conscious of textures
Seeing: letting your eyes fully be here
Smelling: coffee, tea, fruit
Eating: chewing, tasting, flavors

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

CONTACT

Get in touch anytime
Questions are welcome
Fragen · Termine
contact@nl-mindful.com

1:1 Mindfulness Training
Hartwicusstraße 3
22087 Hamburg