Very interesting discussion everyone.
Adding on to what I said earlier - I find one component to success with mindfulness with me is "self discipline". On those bad days when little sleep has been had and circumstances are not good that makes me struggle - I find I have to act against how I feel and "push with an act of will against the inclination to sit and not follow a rountine, or give into how I feel and stay in bed or remain inactive". Pushing through the latter to consistently practice mindfulness and keeping the mind busy, being focused in the now also gives birth to resilience for me. If I give into my feelings most days or early in the day it will undo the good and purpose of mindfulness in my experience causing relapse and at times anxiety attacks.
Consistency I am learning is important to the success of mindfulness - not just when i feel up to it I am discovering; not letting anything stop me from my rountine and/or from stopping me from doing that which keeps my mind/body busy - not focusing on my emotions will see them diminished. At first it's hard, but with practice developing self discipline, I find it becomes easier and more natural. I can also see mindfulness as a practice of mind over matter.
