What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness refers to a state of being aware and present. It has been defined as a moment-to-moment awareness of one’s experience without judgment (Davis & Hayes, 2011).
Mindfulness has been used in meditation, relaxation, and yoga. Various approaches to psychotherapy also incorporate mindfulness training, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Linehan, 1993) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 1999). Increasingly, popular culture has begun to explore mindful practices.
There is considerable variation in how mindfulness is defined and how it is practiced. Research examining the benefits of mindfulness has found it to help with emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and managing internal states.
But what does that mean in reality? It means that if you are aware of your experience and in tune with your thoughts and reactions, you may not be as reactive. Specifically, you may not be as over-reactive.
Practical steps
So how do you practice mindfulness?
Get in a comfortable spot. Be still and quiet.
Notice your physical sensations. Pay attention to your breathing.
Allow thoughts to float in and out of your mind.
If you notice an uncomfortable feeling or thought, just be aware of it. There is nothing you need to do,
Begin with a short practice of 2 mins and work up to longer durations.
What is the role of mindfulness in therapy?
From a therapeutic standpoint, mindfulness helps a person to mentally slow down and accept experience rather than trying to change it. Mindfulness can also help with developing attention and concentration.
What are the challenges to developing mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a skill that requires practice. We live in a fast-paced world, and we process an overwhelming amount of information each day. Since mindfulness involves slowing down, it can be difficult to implement.
For people struggling with certain mental health problems, mindfulness is not practical without professional help to address the condition.
For instance, if a person is experiencing PTSD, intrusive thoughts about a past traumatic event may make it extremely difficult to focus. Other conditions may contribute to heightened anxiety and physiological arousal which affect a person’s ability to sit still or be calm.
Mindfulness is a useful skill and can be learned through cognitive-behavioral treatment. To learn more about how mindfulness can assist with managing anxiety, stress, and depression, contact me.
* The information and resources contained on this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to assess, diagnose, or treat any medical and/or mental health disease or condition. The use of this website does not imply nor establish any type of therapist-client relationship. Furthermore, the information obtained from this site should not be considered a substitute for a thorough medical and/or mental health evaluation by an appropriately credentialed and licensed professional. *
