What are the three axioms of mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a practice that has been gaining more and more traction in recent years, and for good reason. It can help us to reduce stress, increase our focus and attention, and improve our overall well being. At its core, mindfulness is about being present in the moment and cultivating an attitude of nonjudgmental awareness.
At the heart of mindfulness are three key axioms: intention, attention, and attitude (IAA). Intention involves setting a purpose or goal for your practice. This could be anything from focusing on your breath to cultivating compassion for yourself or others. Attention is about bringing your awareness to whatever you’re doing in the present moment without judgment or attachment. Finally, attitude refers to the way we approach our practice with openness, curiosity, and acceptance.
These three axioms are intertwined - they all contribute to one's changing experience of mindfulness. For example, if you have an intention to cultivate compassion but approach it with judgment or attachment rather than openness and acceptance, then it will be difficult to reap the full benefits of your practice.
Mindfulness can be practiced in many different ways - through meditation, yoga, walking in nature - but no matter what form it takes, these three axioms remain at its core. So next time you sit down to meditate or take a mindful walk around your neighborhood, remember the IAA model of mindfulness - intention, attention and attitude - as you cultivate presence in the moment.