What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is awareness in the moment without judgment. Mindfulness practice helps us attune to our inner and outer worlds in new ways.

As related specifically to sex and relationships, this means noticing your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations in any moment, and accepting without judgment what you notice (even if you don't like it!). When you can observe these instead of just reacting (by lashing out, shutting down, or distracting/numbing yourself), you start to slow down and reflect more on what makes you unhappy, anxious, irritated, angry, sad, uncomfortable, lonely, or fearful.

This mindful awareness can help you get to the heart of your patterns and triggers that lead to behavior and situations that cause unhappiness in your life. Mindfulness is an simple concept, but a lifelong practice in nuanced awareness. I use applied mindfulness and compassion at at the core of all my work.

TEDx Talk on Mindfulness, Sex, and Female Sexuality by Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus.

Below are resources to learn about the practice of mindfulness for personal growth, healthy living, stronger relationships, and fulfilling sexuality.

A book by Buddhist and world peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh.