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When someone is described as being mindful, it typically means they pay attention to what is happening to the mind, body, and surroundings, and they remain present while both curious and compassionate.

But what does mindfulness do?

One of the best definitions comes from Dr. Shauna Shapiro (2020):

“Mindfulness helps us see clearly so we can make wise choices and respond to life effectively.”

This simple statement captures the ability of mindfulness to help us take a breath and make more considered decisions that improve our lives.

And isn’t that what we all want?

Imagine your life based on choices made from the heart that line up with your core values. That’s what you get – most of the time – when you are mindful. And yet, practicing mindfulness can feel solitary or perhaps even lonely. So, what do you do?

The answer comes from one of our most basic human needs: seek companionship. Group mindfulness offers fellowship, support, and learnings that may be absent when practicing alone. While mindfulness can be learned through books, mobile apps, audio, and videos, there are times when practicing within a group setting provides better results.

Indeed, over the last two decades, the popularity of mindfulness has soared, as have the opportunities to connect with others on a similar journey.