Mindfulness For Seniors

FAQ: Common Questions and Misconceptions About Mindfulness

Welcome to our FAQ page! We’ve compiled answers to your most common questions about mindfulness. Browse the categories below to quickly find the information you need. We regularly update this page to ensure you have the most current information. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Savoring life

Mindfulness is popular, but questions are common.

Below we address many questions and several misconceptions
we have encountered over the years.

  1. Is Mindfulness difficult?
    • Answer: Mindfulness is really just a natural state of “paying attention.” So really “doing mindfulness” is just reconnecting with and relaxing into our natural state. It is something that is very simple and can be implemented by anyone at any time. It’s not about achieving a certain level of proficiency or mental state, but just noticing our thoughts, emotions, activities, and the world around us with gentle acceptance. And like most things in life, a little effort pays big dividends.
  1. Is Mindfulness about emptying my mind completely?
    • Answer: This is a common misconception. Mindfulness isn’t about stopping or emptying your mind or stopping your thoughts altogether. It’s about noticing your thoughts (and emotions) without getting caught up in them or swept away by them. Having a busy mind is OK, and that’s right where we start.
  1. Is Mindfulness Just a Trendy Form of Relaxation?
    • Answer: While relaxation can be an immediate benefit, mindfulness has the potential to go further. It can act as a calming influence or reset button amidst life’s upheavals and nudge us into a more receptive perspective for both pleasant and unpleasant experiences. Generally speaking, relaxation focuses on calming the body and mind, while mindfulness is more about learning to “surf” your thoughts, emotions, and life situations.
  1. Isn’t mindfulness is about avoiding difficult emotions?
    • Answer: This is a common misunderstanding. Mindfulness isn’t about suppressing, avoiding feelings or emotions. It’s about noticing emotions as they arise, and simply experiencing them. We don’t try to invalidate them or change them, but instead, use them as guideposts or reference points that allow us to reorient, rethink or shift our approach and relationship to them as we feel inclined.
  1. Will mindfulness eliminate all of my negative emotions?
    • Answer: Mindfulness is really more of a tool to meet and navigate difficult emotions, not eliminate them. Experiencing a full range of emotions is a natural part of life. Mindfulness helps us experience our emotions and feelings in ways that are more supportive of our well-being.
  1. Does mindfulness mean I should never express my emotions?
    • Answer: Mindfulness isn’t about not expressing feelings. It’s about experiencing the emotions, which gives us the option and opportunity to choose whether or not we share them, or simply experience the emotional ebb and flow without sharing our feelings with others.
  1. Isn’t mindfulness just another kind of meditation?
    • Answer: While mindfulness can be part of a meditative practice, it’s not limited to to. It’s more of a life tool or life skill that allows us to meet and engage with life’s challenges, as well as savor life’s joys. It is something that can be applied to every aspect of life.
  1. Does mindfulness mean I have to be passive?
    • Answer: This couldn’t be further from the truth. Mindfulness is about being actively engaged with the present moment in whatever way is appropriate and serves and supports you. If a situation calls for action, you act. If something requires your feedback, you give. If something comes up that needs to be addressed, you address it. It’s about engaging life as it shows up, and responding in authentic ways that are free of our emotional and mental habits (to the degree we are able).
  1. Do I have to achieve a special state of mind to experience mindfulness?
    • Answer: Our approach to mindfulness is very simple and grounded in simple relaxation… not the relaxation of a spa, but more of a allowing life to unfold as it is. Whether that means our internal landscape, or the life situations happening in our sphere of awareness, simply allowing, but also acting. We don’t want to be in a trance state or achieve some sort of elevated, enlightened awareness. We are just meeting life as it is.
  1. Isn’t mindfulness the same as positive thinking?
    • Answer: While mindfulness can contribute to a more positive outlook, it’s not about forcing positive thoughts. It’s about observing and experiencing all thoughts., And if we find ourselves thinking in ways that are uncomfortable, unsettling, or habitual, and decide we want to change them, we can.
  1. Is mindfulness about controlling my thoughts?
    • Answer: While mindfulness is not about actively controlling thoughts, it can support us to make choices about how we think and respond to our thoughts. It’s really more about noticing and letting thoughts come and go, and then gently shifting our thinking if we feel that is warranted, rather than trying to employ a strictly enforced mind control.

  1. Isn’t mindfulness too strenuous or rigorous for seniors?
    • Answer: Mindfulness is an everyday, easy-to-use life tool. It requires no intense physical exertion or long periods of forced focus. It’s about gently nudging your awareness to whatever you’re doing, in a way that feels natural and comfortable. We present it as an on-demand, as-needed, or as inclined strategy.
  1. Doesn’t mindfulness require a lot of concentration?
    • Answer: For some approaches, yes, but our approach is a relaxed one. We emphasize simple “noticing” approach to our world, along with a gentle nudge of focus when and if needed. It’s an open-to-all-of-life approach, where we meet things just as they are with bias or agenda, and then respond as needed, or as we choose.
  1. Is mindfulness something I have to do perfectly?
    • Answer: Mindfulness is just “living life,” nothing special to do, no “perfect way of doing it.” It’s about noticing the experiences of our internal and external worlds… and being attuned to when our thoughts or emotions are hijacking our joy, and responding as needed. So relax, and don’t worry about “doing it right.”
  1. Do I have to be good at meditating in order to be good at mindfulness?
    • Answer: Mindfulness, from our perspective, is not about good meditation skills. It’s about simple awareness, whether it is the world of senses or the realms of our thoughts and emotions. We simply stay connected to what is unfolding. Mindfulness can be enjoyed and engaged regardless of any meditation experience or skill.

 

  1. Does Mindfulness Mean I Have to Sit Still for Hours?
    • Answer: Absolutely not. Mindfulness isn’t about forcing yourself into uncomfortable positions. Standing, lying down, walking, or even doing everyday tasks are all options. The key is to bring your attention to the present moment, whatever you’re doing.
  1. Does mindfulness take a long time to do?
    • Answer: Not necessarily. One moment of awareness is enough. It’s about releasing any interpretative or reactive worldview, even for a moment, and letting the present moment shine through.
  1. How long does it take to get good at Mindfulness?
    • Answer: It doesn’t require a certain level of proficiency. It’s about “just noticing” without getting caught up in personal stories or biases. A relaxed approach, focused on the present moment, is key.
  1. What if I don’t have time for mindfulness?
    • Answer: Mindfulness can “fit” into even the busiest schedules, because it can be as momentary as a single breath. And since we are always breathing, we have countless opportunities each day to relax and notice, even if it’s just for a few moments. It’s like a reliable friend or trustworthy tool you can always rely on, no matter how busy you are, or how full your schedule is.

  1. Will mindfulness instantly solve all my problems?
    • Answer: That would be nice… but mindfulness is like a soft life skill, not a magic wand. While you can experience immediate benefits such as calming an emotional upset, or deepening your appreciation of the things you enjoy in life. For most people, gaining familiarity with mindful strategies over time can help you to better navigate the “life problems” that arise.
  1. Will mindfulness instantly eliminate all negative emotions?
    • Answer: Definitely not. That said, mindfulness is an excellent tool that can help us meet and manage difficult emotions, but not eliminate them. Experiencing the full range of emotions is part of the mindfulness journey.
  1. Is mindfulness a quick fix for emotional upset?
    • Answer: Not really. While some mindfulness programs or approaches are “solution-oriented,” looking to resolve or modify challenging emotions, our approach is more of a “life just as it is” journey that isn’t about fixing anything. And yes, many do experience relief from emotional upsets. So as long as life goes on, a mindful approach is a great tool to keep in your pocket.
  1. Is mindfulness a substitute for licensed therapeutic counseling sessions?
    • Answer: No. Therapy provides a safe space for working with deep and personal issues and challenges. We think of mindfulness as a complementary skill that has the potential for improving the outcomes of therapy.
  1. Is mindfulness a substitute for medical care, prescriptions, or pain management?
    • Answer: No. Mindfulness is not a replacement for medical care, prescriptions, or pain management. Mindfulness has been shown to support our health and complement professional medical care and intervention (see our resources for professionals listing research-based studies and mindfulness articles), but it doesn’t replace professional treatment.
  1. Will mindfulness take away my grief?
    • Answer: Grief is a natural part of life. Where mindfulness can help, is through the strategies that allow for the journey of grief to unfold and the feelings to be experienced and processed without being overcome by them.

 

  1. Is mindfulness about becoming a different person?
    • Answer: No. But mindfulness may shift your perceptions about yourself, but “you” will still be you. Any changes that occur in your personality, whether perceived by others or yourself, result from new choices you make as your awareness of your self-talk habits and patterns of reactivity evolves.
  1. Do I have to give up my sense of self?
    • Answer: No. Your sense of self will continue. Your experience of “you” may shift, and likely in positive ways, such as how you relate to others or handle challenges.
  1. Does mindfulness mean I have to give up my favorite things or activities (coffee, TV, social activities, exercise, etc.)?
    • Answer: No. Mindfulness makes no demands on how you choose to live your life. It is simply an invitation to see and experience things more directly without being knocked about by our thinking habits, emotional patterns, aversions, and preferences, It’s just about being present with all of life, however it shows up. And then choosing our next response or action.
  1. Does mindfulness mean I have to get up extra early every day?
    • Answer: No. There’s no need to change your sleep patterns or preferences. In fact, we encourage a good night’s sleep and invite you to try taking a mindful breath or two or more before you climb out of bed. It can be a great way to start the day.

 

  1. Will mindfulness interfere with my ability to find emotional comfort in my faith?
    • Answer: Absolutely not! While mindfulness has historically been associated with specific spiritual traditions, the current way mindfulness is thought of is as a “complementary” tool or skill. Many people have expressed how a mindful approach has deepened their spiritual practices, such as prayer and contemplation.
  1. Do I have to become a Buddhist to practice mindfulness?
    • Answer: Nope. Mindfulness is a life tool for anyone, regardless of faith or philosophy. It’s a flexible life tool that can work for anyone, no matter their lifestyle and no matter what their level of engagement is. Plus, mindfulness is quite adaptable, as it can be used simply as an on-demand, as-needed life tool, or engaged with more regularity and intention. It can even be used as a technique to savor life more deeply.
  1. Does working with mindfulness mean I need to adopt a monastic lifestyle?
    • Answer: Definitely not. Mindfulness is just our natural awareness of the world around us, as well as our thoughts and emotions. Where mindfulness comes into its own is twofold. First, it can keep us from being swept away by what life throws at us and our emotional upheavals that follow. And second, allowing us to dive into and appreciate the world around us. It’s not about renouncing your current life or beliefs. So no need to be a nun or monk, you can just be you, whether that is a mindful parent, grandparent, professional, vagabond, or friend.
  1. Will mindfulness be something that will go against or contradict my faith or church doctrine?
    • Answer: We don’t believe it will. Our approach with mindfulness is to use it as a flexible life-enriching strategy. Historically, mindfulness has been linked with several spiritual traditions, including various forms of Christianity, Judaism, and more. There are parallels in Christianity for mindfulness such as; Contemplative Prayer,  Union with the Divine, Abiding in Christ, Practicing the Presence of God, Lectio Divina, Watching and Praying, and others. Our position is that mindfulness is a life tool for anyone, regardless of faith or philosophy. And even though “mindfulness” has its roots in pre-history and eastern traditions, from our perspective, mindfulness is a tool that can enhance the acts of prayer and contemplation.

 

  1. Do I need to dedicate a lot of time to mindfulness?
    • Answer: No. One of our favorite strategies is “Just one breath” is enough. And by that we are alluding to the notion that any mindful effort, no matter how small, can have a positive impact on our lives. The simplicity of mindfulness can be deceptive because how could something so simple have so much potential for effectiveness, comfort, and joy? And of course, you can choose to dive deeply into a mindful approach to life… but we think that keeping it simple is an important aspect that is often overlooked.
  1. Does mindfulness require special equipment or a special place?
    • Answer: No. No requirements. Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere, anytime. That said, depending on how you want to integrate into you life and at what degree, some people do find it beneficial to have a dedicated corner or spot in their home for some quite sitting time. Or they may find items such as counting stones, or a wrist mala or other items to be helpful in focusing their minds. But ultimately, nothing at all is needed. Just your willingness to “notice” instead of getting lost in a world of thought and emotion, even if just for a breath or two.
  1. Does mindfulness require an in-person teacher?
    • Answer: Not for how we approach it. While in some traditions, especially monastic mindfulness traditions, an in-person teacher is essential, our approach is much less rigorous and more relaxed. We believe much can be learned from books, audio recordings, podcasts, videos, and pre-recorded classes.  That said, a “teacher” or a community of like-minded individuals can be helpful, whether in the short term or for an extended time.
  1. Is there a mindfulness certification?
    • Answer: Yes. Colleges, non-profit organizations, and private businesses offer mindfulness certifications for teaching or personal development. An online search for “mindfulness certification” will list many results. Our approach is experiential and non-clinical certificates are not needed for our approach.
  1. Do I need to keep a mindfulness journal?
    • Answer: No, but a journal can be a beneficial tool for tracking progress or experiences or gaining insight into your internal dialogues, thought patterns, and emotional habits.
  1. I have heard mindfulness is not safe when driving. Is that true?
    • Answer: This is an important concept to address as there are many sources that say you should not engage in mindfulness when driving. From our perspective, mindfulness is about awareness and conscious engagement, and that includes driving. Driving mindfully means being fully aware of your surroundings, the traffic, the car you are driving, other drivers, road hazards or other dangers, your own emotions and state of mind, as well as your own fatigue levels. Mindful driving is certainly not about closing your eyes or zoning out and entering a trance-like state. You can think of “mindful driving” as undistracted driving, which equates to safer driving.

  1. Am I Too Old to Start Working With Mindfulness?
    • Answer: Absolutely not! Mindfulness is both flexible and adaptable and can be tailored to your needs. The ability of our brains to form new neural pathways (know as Neuroplasticity) allows us to learn new skills at any age.
  1. Mindfulness is only for young people.
    • Answer: That’s not true. I would go so far as to suggest that mindfulness is even a better fit for those who are traversing their later years. Since a mindful approach to life can be tailored and modified to work with any age, condition, or ability, it’s a fantastic, flexible, and accessible life tool that can be beneficial for anyone.
  1. Am I too old to learn new ways of managing my emotions?
    • Answer: Not at all! Neuroplasticity, the ability and capacity of our brains to make new neural connections, is what allows us to learn and work with emotions at any age. All it takes is a willingness to try and see if mindfulness is something you want to adopt. That said, mindfulness is a great tool that can help us meet and manage our emotional challenges, upheavals, and overwhelm.
  1. Mindfulness is only for people who are stressed or anxious.
    • Answer: No. While mindfulness can help with anxiety and stress, a mindful approach to life can be very beneficial in other ways including other documented health benefits (see our list of mindfulness studies that demonstrate this), as well as enriching our appreciation of life.
  1. Is Mindfulness Just for Super Calm People?
    • Answer: No way! Mindfulness is for everyone, the calm, the agitated, and everyone in between. And as we have mentioned, there are many documented physical and mental health benefits in addition to whatever personal enjoyment or benefit we experience.
  1. Mindfulness is only for certain personality types.
    • Answer: That’s not true. Mindfulness can be tailored to any personality. The key is a willingness to try it, and some people are willing to do that. But it’s an easy way to gain some additional comfort and emotional ease in your life, as well as add to your life enjoyment.
  1. Is Mindfulness Only for Religious or Spiritual People?
    • Answer: Definitely not. Mindfulness is used in many non-religious applications, such as mental health, stress reduction, and even pain management. It’s a practical tool for anyone, regardless of background or beliefs.

Note: In our overview book, ‘Mindfulness for Seniors,’ we address these misconceptions and misunderstandings in greater detail through the lens of our unique perspective on mindfulness as an easy, flexible, and relevant Life Tool for everyone.

“Mindfulness for Seniors” is committed to empowering seniors with wisdom-driven life tools that are practical, accessible, enjoyable, and genuinely supportive.

Questions?
Please contact us.