Mindfulness doesn't just relate to the body. Like Elliemay said, it's a way of grounding in the here and now. But also, it's about being aware of yourself and aware of the choices you make in your life. Once you re-connect to yourself in the present you are in control of your life and what you want from it. You become aware of what's happening inside you - whether that's in your body, mind or emotions.

For instance, some months ago I was in a state of terrible conflict. Part of me wanted to move on and let go of the past and part of me did not. I was afraid to. I was mindful of my fear and this conflict. I felt awful because I was torn in two. But then I sat back a bit and thought 'Hey, this is where I am right now. I'm in a state of conflict. That's okay. It's my truth.' Once I was mindful of the conflict and ACCEPTED it, I felt some peace because there was space between me and the conflict. The conflict did not change but I accepted that was where I was in the present.

Connecting to the present moment connects you to life. Because if you think about it, life is an endless NOW. Past and future only exist as memories and as as expectations. Real life takes place in the present time. Flashbacks and the like are the body's way of trying to get you to heal those memories and re-connect to life, as horrid as they are.

Once you reconnect to life you become conscious of what you do and feel. It is a long process but an empowering one.