Mindfulness

You will hear many people refer to mindfulness as meditation. While it is a type of meditation, you will not be asked to sit for long periods of time ignoring the world around you.

Mindfulness is about being in the moment, and without judgment. We work on focusing attention to the emotions, thoughts, and sensations occurring without judgment and with acceptance. It is not meant to strain you, but to put in gentle effort to be in the present. It’s a way of paying attention on purpose.

For example, have you ever caught yourself not breathing and needing to take a deep breath? Or how about eating and not really paying attention until you have eaten your entire meal? Mindfulness simply puts you back into your mind and body in the present, rather than thinking about the past or future. Mindfulness is used to help us live in the now.

Mindfulness doesn’t mean that we aren’t cognitively aware that some may be pleasant while others are unpleasant, but on an emotional level we accept rather than just react. Mindfulness teaches “equanimity”- composure or a stillness and balance of mind.

While you read these remember that I do not use any one therapy for any one client, but an accumulation of therapies to best suit the individual’s needs. I am always expanding my knowledge as well and may incorporate different techniques as well.