Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lucy Draper-Clarke, Research Associate in Compassion, University of the Witwatersrand
Published on 2024-01-03 13:11:18
In today’s world, people are constantly dealing with stress, anxiety, and various humanitarian and environmental crises. As a result, many are turning to ancient practices from eastern philosophies for guidance, one of which is mindfulness, which is linked to meditation. Lucy Draper-Clarke, a researcher and author, recently spoke about mindfulness and the importance of cultivating compassion, awareness, and gratitude.
Mindfulness, originally translated from the Pali word “sati”, means “remembering”, specifically in terms of remembering ethics and the right way to behave in each moment. However, in the modern context, it is translated as “being conscious and aware of the present moment”. A mindfulness practice involves bringing oneself back to the present moment using senses, breath, or yoga. Being mindful means being present and open, not being trapped in the past or the future, which can help calm the mind and reduce depressive and anxious thoughts.
Research has shown that depression and anxiety are often linked to past regrets and future worries, respectively. By focusing on the present moment, individuals can free themselves from these burdens and bring a sense of discernment to the situation. Draper-Clarke also emphasizes the importance of linking mindfulness to compassion, especially when facing discomfort or suffering, either our own or someone else’s.
Incorporating meditation into daily life as a mindfulness practice is essential. Draper-Clarke suggests making meditation a habit, something as familiar as brushing teeth, to ensure it becomes a daily practice at a specific time. She differentiates between calming, insight, positive qualities, engagement, and shadow integration practices in her book, “The Compassionate Activist”.
Insight practices help individuals understand their own habits and can shift them away from depressive and anxious tendencies. Moreover, cultivating positive qualities like gratitude, joy, and compassion helps counter the brain’s negativity bias and opens the mind to appreciation and wonder. Draper-Clarke advises individuals seeking to refocus their lives to tune into their own happiness, joy, and contentment and let them guide their choice of practices.
Ultimately, mindfulness and meditation provide a way for individuals to be present, cultivate compassion, and embrace positive emotions to lead a more fulfilling life. By truly being aware and focusing on the present, people can find the practices that bring the most benefit to their lives.
