Why mindlessness, the art of not paying attention, can make us better problem solvers
Think of it as removing the proverbial mental leash – mindlessness gives your brain the chance to wander, giving room for creative thought. And it’s much easier than being mindful all the time
We hear about “mindfulness” a lot these days.
We are encouraged to eat mindfully so as to better appreciate the flavours of our food. We are taught to practise mindfulness when we are stressed to connect with how we are feeling. We are urged to be mindful when communicating with others so as to be truly present for them.
An element of Buddhist tradition, mindfulness is not a new concept. Simply described, it is a form of self-awareness training that is geared towards helping us in our everyday life, work, relationships and overall well-being.
It is a reminder to be fully aware of what is happening within and around us at any given moment. Used correctly and regularly, the technique is said to help relieve stress and anxiety, improve sleep, reduce chronic pain, elevate our mood, and more. And in a world where most of us live hectic lives on autopilot, there is nothing more grounding than being completely aware of our experiences as they occur from moment to moment.
But having to be fully aware and present all the time can get exhausting after a while. Who wants to spend their entire meal focusing on the flavours and textures of their food and paying attention to what their stomachs are telling them? And where is the pleasure in talking to someone if you are concentrating so hard on the words you choose and on how their words are making you feel?