When we can be centered in ourselves, even for brief periods of time in the face of the pull of the outer world, not having to look elsewhere for something to fill us up or make us happy, we can be at home wherever we find ourselves, at peace with things as they are, moment by moment.
-Jon Kabat-Zinn
Mindfulness has been described as; “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non- judgementally to things as they are.” Mindfulness practice teaches us how to focus, expand, or redirect our attention. It teaches us to recognize when our mind is pulled away from the present and toward an imagined, feared future event or an upsetting episode from the past. Cultivating this awareness allows us to return to our focus on the present so that we can participate more fully in our lives. Mindfulness can help us notice the layers and nuances of our thoughts and emotions, which promotes a deeper understanding of our internal reactions and allows us to flexibly consider our options. Broadened attention also increases our awareness of the consequences of our actions and makes it easier to learn from our experiences.
A key feature of Mindfulness is that it changes our relationship with our internal experiences. Although anxiety prompts us to turn away from uncomfortable and painful & painful experiences, mindfulness allows us to approach them. Rather than judging some internal experiences to be unacceptable or loathsome, Mindfulness involves bringing curiosity and compassion to all of our experiences. It encourages us to acknowledge that experiencing a full range of thoughts and feelings is what defines us as human.
BENEFITS of Mindfulness Practice:
- Calms mental activity by calming brain waves
- Allows the mind and body to rest
- Boosts immune system
- Slows metabolic rate
- Oxygenates the blood and brain
- Reduces blood pressure
- Slows heart rate
- Enhances overall healing process
PRACTICING MINDFUL TECHNIQUES GOES BEYOND RESTORING PEACE. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR HEALTH AND OVERALL WELL BEING.
The main premise of behind meditation is to center the mind by calming the mind’s chatter by bringing it to the present moment. This is accomplished through breathing exercises, using specific language and imagery to engage every facet of mind. This process enables the person to move easily from conscious mind to inner mind allowing one “to go within.” By being aware you can actively direct your minds awareness and brain to stimulate, enhance, slow down or ease any particular function within the body. Incorporating breathwork, guided imagery, language and relaxation techniques during a therapy session can greatly enhance a sense of peace, reduce stress and restore physical and emotional balance.
IF YOU ARE READY TO BENEFIT FROM MINDFULNESS BASED THERAPY PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL BE HAPPY TO SPEAK TO YOU ABOUT HOW I CAN HELP!