Dear Lsler:

My answer: continuous mental work and Mindfulness go hand in hand. Can’t do one mental work without mindfulness. I don’t think it is possible to go through one day of perfect well being. We often don’t notice something is wrong unless there is something BIG that is wrong. But there are many little wrong things throughout the day. Noticing these is being mindful: paying attention. Being mindful, paying attention to your cognition, thoughts and emotions is a skill that you build. When you notice something uncomfortable, that is an opportunity for some work at that moment you notice it.

For example, someone said something that bothers you just a bit (could be something I am writing here as you read it!)

Notice: what is it? What was the thought you just had. What’s bothering you? Maybe you need to assert yourself, maybe ask for clarification, asking (me, for example): what did you mean by what you said/ wrote?

anita