What does it mean to be “Mindful?”  Mindfulness is  an awareness of, or a paying attention to our physical (both external and internal) AS they are presently occurring.  It is important to do so without judgement.  It’s the sensations that you are wanting to attune to, not the accompanying emotions.

Mindful awareness of internal bodily sensations plays a pivotal role in self-regulation, a concept at the core of Dr. Stuart Shanker’s framework. Shanker defines self-regulation as the ability to understand stress, and manage energy levels, in a way that promotes optimal functioning. Tuning into internal bodily feelings, or interoception, is crucial in recognizing and managing stress effectively.

Dr. Shanker’s framework outlines five domains of self-regulation: biological, emotional, cognitive, social, and prosocial. Within the biological domain, being attuned to bodily sensations—such as a racing heart, tense muscles, or shallow breathing—can help identify signs of stress early. Recognizing these signals allows one to take proactive measures, such as practicing deep breathing, adjusting posture, or stepping away from a stressful situation, to restore balance. This process helps conserve energy and supports optimal functioning.

In the emotional domain, mindful awareness of bodily sensations can enhance emotional intelligence. Emotions often manifest physically, such as butterflies in the stomach during anxiety or warmth in the chest when experiencing joy. By noticing these sensations without judgment, individuals can develop a clearer understanding of their emotions, which fosters emotional regulation and resilience.

Shanker emphasizes the importance of managing stress in the cognitive domain as well. By being aware of bodily cues like tension or fatigue, one can recognize when cognitive resources are being depleted. This awareness encourages restorative actions, such as taking breaks or engaging in mindfulness practices, which help maintain focus and mental clarity.

The social and prosocial domains are also deeply interconnected with interoceptive awareness. Being mindful of one’s own bodily feelings promotes empathy and connection. When one recognizes internal cues of stress or calmness, it becomes easier to attune to others’ emotions and respond compassionately.

In sum, Dr. Shanker’s self-regulation framework highlights that mindful awareness of internal bodily feelings is a foundational skill for understanding our stressors and maintaining balance across all aspects of our life. By cultivating this awareness, individuals can enhance emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and improve the quality of their lives, & interactions, life. Learn more at Self-Reg.ca.  Cognitive Dynamics can help.