FOUNDATIONS · JON KABAT-ZINN
The Principles by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn
are regarded as the foundation of
International Mindfulness.
They shape how Mindfulness is
understood and practiced.
We explore how to apply them to
Mindfulness practice and in daily life.
We have listed here the 7 original attitudes.
Jon Kabat-Zinn later added two more:
Gratitude and Generosity.
NL MINDFUL
We complement the original 7
with two Mindfulness essentials:
Awareness & Self-Compassion,
based on the teachings of
Diana Winston, Mark Williams
and Thich Nhat Hanh.
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
Focused & Calm
We can practice Beginner’s Mind
with a Mindful Morning rotuine.
Beginning the day with a mindset
that is focused and calm at the same time,
with a clear intention to be present
in the here and now.
Tea Mind as gentle reminder
for slowing down and
appreciating the simplicity and
the gracefulness of the moment.
Being here. Not somewhere else
Preparing breakfast with a kind of wonder
Placing objects in the kitchen slowly
Aware of all the beauty of the moment.
Awareness of the senses
Eating food slowly,
relaxing your belly.
Focusing on your breath.
Eating a piece of fruit
with all your senses.
Touching: conscious of textures
Seeing: let 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
Read more
Guesthouse · Kabat-Zinn
Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn
CONTACT
NL MINDFUL
Mindfulness · Hamburg
Hartwicusstraße 3
22087 Hamburg
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contact@nl-mindful.com