Mindfulness
Sometimes our attention can become focussed on unhelpful thoughts, for example worrying about something that might happen in the future. By practising mindfulness, you can learn to recognise when this happens, and choose when to pay attention to your thoughts and when it’s more helpful to let them go.
What is Mindfulness?
The practice of mindfulness is increasingly being recognised as an effective treatment for mental health issues, including anxiety and stress. But what is Mindfulness?
I might define mindfulness as giving an open, curious and accepting attention to my present experience, without attempting to avoid or hang on to any aspect of it. When we are mindful, we open ourselves to fully experience what is. It is a way of being that we can bring to everything we do.
I bring a mindful approach to all my work with clients. I support people to adopt a reflective, open, curious and non-judging attitude to their issues. I try to create and maintain a mindful and open therapeutic relationship between us. If appropriate and helpful, I may teach a client mindfulness practises.
There are many ways to define mindfulness, but having an experience of being mindful, will give you a sense of what it might mean to you.
Mindfulness exercise
Set aside 5 or 10 minutes for this exercise.
Find somewhere quiet and comfortable to sit, with your back upright but not tense, your hands on your lap.
Close your eyes and try listening for any sounds you might hear outside of your room or building.
Now move your focus into the room you are in and notice any sounds you can her there.
Next, bring your attention inside your body, listen to the sound of your breath and perhaps you may notice other sounds, like your heart beating.
Notice where your attention goes to first in your body. Scan your body with your mind noticing what physical sensations are there. Notice parts of the body that feel tense and relax them if you can. Your face, your shoulders....
Notice where your body is being supported by the chair, cushion or floor. Notice how your clothes feel on your skin, the feel of the cool or warm air.
Bring your attention to your breath for a few minutes. Don’t try to control it in any way, just allow it to do what it wants and notice it as it happens.
Any thoughts or sensations that distract you, notice them without judgement, and return the focus to your breath.
When you are ready, gently open your eyes and stretch your body bringing focus slowly back to the room around you.