Mindfulness

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness practice is a way to connect with yourself. You may also find that you begin to feel more accepting of yourself and what you experience, although this takes some time to develop. It is a simple practice which offers you the opportunity to develop personal insight.

Through watching your natural breath, you can live more in the present rather than find that you are constantly thinking about your problems, what has happened in the past or what might happen in the future. This ‘here and now’ presence can lead to less anxiety and low mood which you may have been experiencing as a result of feeling overwhelmed by these thoughts of the past and future.  This is called living in ‘the present moment’.

What benefits might mindfulness have for me?

This practice gives you the chance to begin to acknowledge your thoughts and feelings.  It also helps you to realise that you are more than your thoughts and feelings and that these do not have to control you and how you experience yourself and your life.

Lots of people practice mindfulness for different reasons. Some people say it offers them some peace of mind and calmness which they find very helpful in their lives.  Other people find that they are able to work out what is on their minds from sitting and practicing mindfulness, so they know more clearly what’s troubling them.  It can also be used in therapy to help people explore their issues or find ways to live in a more balanced and positive way.

Others experience their difficult or overwhelming thoughts, feelings and personal experiences (such as unwanted urges, hearing voices, disturbing images or flashbacks) differently after practicing.  They feel more able to cope and can begin to acknowledge that things can change for the better.

If you would like to talk to me about learning mindfulness or using mindfulness to cope with emotional difficulties, please contact me to discuss your needs.