In my previous posts, I have stated that mindfulness relates to being in the present moment. The past and the future however, are also important aspects of mindfulness. The word mindfulness has connotations of remembrance. Hence, when we remember information in a conscious and purposeful way, this is mindfulness. If we remember something purely randomly, in terms of thoughts just popping into our heads, this is is not mindfulness practise. Similarly, mindfulness also relates to knowing what to forget. It involves using our minds in a much more purposeful way.Also, the way we practise purposeful attention to the present will also affect our future lives. If we pay attention to, and learn knowledge and information that is essential, our future selves will be in a much better position. If we learn important teachings, ignorance will be dispelled and we plant the seeds of happiness for our futures.
Mindfulness, therefore, involves the totality of our experiences. Conscious investigation of, and attention to, all our experiences such as drinking alcohol, making love, painting, working, speaking, moving, exercising, reading, gardening, listening to music, our unpleasant and pleasant emotions or whatever, involves relating to, and working with our lives in a skillful way.
