Mindfulness Explained
Try Mindfulness for yourself with this short meditation from Breathe Holistic Therapy: Mindfulness MP3
Mindfulness is in many ways a very simple concept. Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way. Being mindful involves paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally. This increases awareness, clarity and acceptance of our present-moment being. Practicing mindfulness enables us to move from a constantly “doing” state to a “being” state: experiencing the present moment as it is.
With mindfulness we can take more control over our focus of attention. We learn to choose what we focus on instead of passively letting our attention be dominated by the thoughts that we may ruminate on, often negative troublesome thoughts, that take us away from the present moment. In one sentence mindfulness could be describes as choosing our focus of attention. Becoming more aware of the present moment can help us enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better. Learning to take notice of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the world around you is the first step to mindfulness.
Mindfulness and Reflexology
At Breathe Holistic therapy we offer mindfulness with reflexology, combining two popular effective therapies into one 90 minute treatment. For some people their busy lives and busy minds makes it difficult to unwind at the start of a reflexology appointment. Mindfulness meditation enjoyed before reflexology not only enhances calmness during the appointment but provides the skill for daily well being. A mindfulness meditationmp3 is included so you can easily continue using the skill at home.
To find out more or to book your session please contact me.
"What is mindfulness and how can it help me?"
Do you feel like you are rushing from one task to another and even mentally ticking boxes when you are enjoying a quick cuppa? Mindfulness can help you to quieten your mind and experience the moment without rushing around in your mind from past events to future worries. If you have always believed meditation is not for you then mindfulness may be the way to give you the calmness that's eluded you. You can read an example of mindfulness in everyday life in the Breathe blog.
It can be easy to rush through life without stopping to notice what is around us. Paying more attention to the present moment –to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you – can improve your mental well being. Awareness of this kind doesn't start by trying to change or fix anything. It's about allowing yourself to see the present moment clearly. When you are able to do that, it can positively change the way you see yourselves and our lives.
There have been many studies into the benefits of mindfulness and a selection of these can be found in the hypnotherapy research blog. In 2014 an all party parliamentary group recommended that mindfulness be included in training for doctors and teachers. The National Institute for Clinical excellence recommend mindfulness for the prevention of relapse of recurrent depression.
At Breathe Holistic Therapy we provide a more flexible approach, enabling everyone to discover mindfulness. As you move further into developing your mindfulness practice you can enjoy longer meditations and more informal mindfulness as you go through your daily life. Taking time to appreciate the seven attitudes of Mindfulness can pull together all you practice.
“Mindfulness training for doctors and teachers: Mental health problems cost the UK economy an estimated £70bn annually. Training new medical and teaching staff in mindfulness techniques would embed a culture of wellbeing in health and education, and reduce a later burden on the NHS by improving the availability of mindfulness-based therapies.”