Mindfulness
Often we do not take the time to see what is there right in front of us. We get caught up in our thoughts, worrying and planning for the future and ruminating over the past.
Mindfulness is “consciously bringing awareness to your here-and-now experience with openness, interest and receptiveness” (Harris, 2006). It involves living in the present moment and engaging fully in what you are doing.
Only 20% of our happiness is external (due to the job we do, the relationships we have and the house we live in). The other 80% of our happiness is internal or dependant on our thoughts and feelings. If we can learn to master our thoughts and feelings, we can master our self. Science has shown that everyone can learn to increase their level of happiness, passion and satisfaction with their life. Happiness cannot be achieved by changing the external world. Happiness can be realised by releasing attachment to thoughts and therefore releasing automatic reactions to unpleasant feelings.
Mindfulness is a technique in which a person becomes intentionally aware of his or her thoughts and actions in the moment, non judgmentally. By spending more time in the present moment, you can observe that the mind is continually making commentary and judgments. When you become aware of the commentary you then have the ability to choose which thoughts have value and which thoughts are unhelpful and can be let go of.
Everyone can gain some benefit from mindfulness practice. These benefits include:
- Manage depression, anxiety and stress more effectively;
- Greater sense of emotional wellbeing;
- Increased self awareness;
- Improved self esteem;
- Better management of chronic pain;
- Improved sleep;
- Greater physical wellbeing through reduced blood pressure, higher immune function;
- Reduce the impact of negative thoughts;
- Manage difficult emotions such as frustration, resentment and anxiety;
- Manage addictive behaviours.
Through our sessions clients learn to change their relationship with thoughts and feelings, to live in the present moment and to create a meaningful life guided by their values.
