Mindfulness

Participants described intentional awareness and behaviour as benefiting both brain health and the planet. Practising mindfulness in nature may increase environmental awareness, stewardship, and resilience to climate-related stressors. Mindfulness is connected to self-inquiry about old coping mechanisms, but the article does not present this as a diagnosis. Mindfulness practices are associated with reduced cognitive decline and lower Alzheimer's-related biomarker accumulation in older adults at risk. Mindfulness is framed as presence with thoughts, sensations, children, schedule, and emotions instead of constant stimulation. Mindfulness was expressed through attention to light, darkness, presence, and calming thought processes. Constantly filling spare moments with input may maintain a low-grade frenzy and fight-or-flight state. Mindful showering is offered as a low-cost practice for returning attention to the present moment. Bus commuting, mindful eating, reading, and food choices were presented as behaviours with dual benefits.