All over the world and throughout many centuries it is known that mindfulness exercises have a positive effect on our general health. It has been confirmed by numerous clinical studies over the past decades. Mindfulness exercises counteract stress, chronic pain, infectious disease, fear or panic, depression, skin disease, insomnia, migraine, indigestion or burnout syndrome.
It is interesting to us that elements of mindfulness, such as acceptance, patience, trust, compassion - in the sense of respecting dignity, can be found in various disciplines of science, in statements by writers, as well as in word religions. This suggests that it is possible to discover elements of mindfulness and their mode of action from different perspectives. Often, mindfulness is also associated with trauma healing. Here are some people from science, literature and world religions who have spoken about this topic:
“You can not stop the waves, but you can learn to surf“
─ Jon Kabat‐Zinn, American scientist & founder of the MBSR course (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)
“Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.“
─ Peter A. Levine, American trauma expert & founder of the trauma therapy method Somatic Experiencing
“Mindfulness is more powerful when combined with an
understanding of trauma.“
─ David Treleaven, Canadian trauma expert, teacher, writer & researcher in the field of trauma sensitive mindfulness
“You can not unfold your full potential if your dignity is harmed by others or if you even violate your dignity yourself.“
─ Gerald Hüther, German neurobiologist & writer
“Vulnerability feels like my greatest strength. It's the most human quality that allows the beauty and horror of the world to impress itself on our souls.“
─ Frank Ostaseki, American pioneer in hospice work & Buddhist monk
“When mindfulness touches something beautiful, it reveals its beauty. When it touches something painful, it transforms it and heals it.“
─ Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese writer, poet & Buddhist monk
“Do something good for your body, so that your soul feels like inhabiting it.“
─ Teresa von Ávila, Spanish Christian nun in the 16th century
“And then you still have to have enough time to just sit there and observe.“
─ Astrid Lindgren, Swedish writer
“A human being is a part of a whole, called ‚Universe‘ by us, a part that is limited in time and space. He experiences himself, experiences his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a form of prison for us, restricting us to our personal proclivities and to affection for a few persons close to us. Our goal must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security“
─ Albert Einstein, German physician
