Sometimes, finding greater clarity begins with simply slowing down and paying attention to what is actually occurring in our lives.
Mindfulness and meditation practices can help create a little space between ourselves and the thoughts, feelings and experiences that can sometimes feel overwhelming. By gently bringing our attention to the present moment, we can begin to notice what is happening within us with greater curiosity and compassion.
I have practiced meditation and mindfulness for many years and have found it helps bring fresh perspective to life’s challenges. I find it helps to set aside time during the day to establish a regular, consistent practice of meditation, and from there develop an attitude of mindfulness throughout the rest of the day.It is a centuries old practice that has been proven to create inner peace, which is the foundation of a happy life.
Where it feels appropriate, I may introduce simple mindfulness or guided meditation practices into our counselling work. These practices might involve mindful breathing, becoming aware of bodily sensations, or noticing thoughts and feelings without immediately reacting to them.
There is no expectation to meditate in a particular way, and mindfulness isn’t about clearing your mind or getting rid of difficult thoughts. It is about developing a greater awareness of your experience and finding ways of relating to it that feel more helpful.
As with all aspects of counselling, we can explore whether mindfulness is right for you and adapt the approach to your individual needs.
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” Jon Kabat-Zinn (Founder of MIndfulness Based Stress Redcution)
