How do you understand mindfulness?More and more health practitioners are telling us that mindfulness meditation can create positive brain function and lead to a happier, healthier lifestyle. That’s how I engage with mindfulness. It’s about finding ways to slow down and be in the present moment.How does mindfulness practice fit in with your personal spiritual beliefs?I was raised and remain a Catholic, and there are many elements of my religion where mindfulness is incorporated, although they go by different names. I grew up with contemplative values; my family has always stressed the importance of praying the rosary and taking time out of the day to reflect.How did you come to mindfulness practice?After the push to help Democrats win back control of the House of Representatives, which we succeeded at doing in 2006, I immediately transitioned to do my part to take back the White House in 2008. After we got Barack Obama elected, I was honestly beginning to feel burned out, and I knew something had to give. Two days after the 2008 election, I decided to go on a five-day retreat led by (meditation and mindf …