Mindfulness-: Our "X factor"

Credits to: Dr. Mansi Chaturvedi

I vividly recall participating in a talent competition at my school long ago. Beyond singing, I had to showcase my 'X factor.' At first, I was clueless about what this X factor was, but thankfully I was given enough time to search for clues and discover it.

During this process, I became so absorbed in my own inner exploration that I didn't pay much attention to the X factors of the other contestants. That is, until one participant caught my eye. He spoke about 'mindfulness' as his X factor.

Back then, the concept of mindfulness was as novel to judges as the term 'X Factor' was. They were intrigued and eager to learn more about this unfamiliar idea. When a contestant demonstrated a newfound expression and self-realisation through mindfulness practices, the judges were captivated. The contestant's authentic embodiment of mindfulness touched the hearts of the  judges who were struck by the transformative impact of these reflective techniques.

From that individual, I gained more valuable insights than I had from anyone else around me due to my then inherent ignorance. Here are some of j key things he shared...

Oftentimes, we have certain habitual thoughts, behaviours or situations that cause our minds to wander and become distracted from the present moment. These can act as "triggers" that pull our attention away from mindfulness.

Some examples of common triggers could be:

- Getting lost in worrying about the future
- Replaying a past conversation in your head
- Zoning out during a monotonous task

The idea is to become more aware of these habitual triggers. When you notice your mind starting to wander due to one of these triggers, use it as a cue to consciously bring your attention back to the present.

For instance( relevant to current times) , if you notice yourself habitually checking your phone, instead of mindlessly doing so, pause and take a few deep breaths. Tune into your senses and the environment around you. This helps interrupt the automatic habit and re-establish mindful awareness.

Over time, this practice of recognising your triggers and using them as reminders to re-center yourself can help strengthen your overall mindfulness muscle. It allows you to respond more consciously, rather than just reactively, to the common distractions in your daily life.

The key is becoming attuned to your own habitual patterns and using that self-knowledge to your advantage in cultivating present-moment focus.

I can only imagine how much progress and growth that individual may have achieved in the life by now, if he truly embodied and applied the principles of mindfulness that he championed as his 'X factor' during the competition.

While the core principles and practices of mindfulness have remained consistent over the years, the presentation and articulation of these teachings have evolved. Although contemporary books on the topic may cover familiar ground, the language, explanations, and specific techniques can vary. This diversity allows individuals to engage with mindfulness in a way that resonates most with their personal experiences and learning styles. The fundamental aims and outcomes of mindfulness practice, such as cultivating present-moment awareness, acceptance, and emotional regulation, have persisted even as the specific pedagogical approaches have become more varied and accessible.

His perspective on mindfulness was truly refreshing, akin to a melodious tune. Later, the song he performed was " Tuta tuta ek parinda ese tuta ki phir udna paya" So beautifully rendered that not only judges but it moved every performing and non performing soul to tears. And we all joined in unison with him, singing " Allah ke bande hasde, jo bhi ho kal phir ayega"