Mindfulness
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in this moment. And this moment. And this moment. Without judgment, without attachment.
Why mindfulness?
You have probably been hearing this word thrown around a lot. It’s being taught in business and medical schools as well as to young children. There are a bunch of subscription meditation apps. And there’s good reason.
Mindfulness can help you:
– Improve your physical, cognitive, and emotional well being.
Reduce chronic pain, tension, and stress. Become more regulated. Change your brain. Increase positive emotions.
– Gain greater control of your mind.
Quit ruminating when it stops being useful. Get unstuck from painful thoughts and feelings. Focus your attention on what matters.
– Experience reality as it actually is.
Stop living on autopilot. Stop mindlessly scrolling on your phone. Problem-solve the actual problems in your life, not the ones you’ve created in your head. Reconnect with who and what truly matters in your life. Be active and participate in your life.
What are mindfulness skills?
You’re probably thinking, ah, yes mindfulness sounds nice, but how does one actually achieve this state of being? Maybe you envision mindfulness as something that’s unattainable– you’re just too busy.
That’s why I teach Mindfulness skills. Mindfulness skills are broken down, step by step actions that will help you become more mindful. First, we practice each mindfulness skill individually and then work on putting them all together so you become more aware and present. You can practice mindfulness skills at any point in the day during any activity. Mindfulness can be practiced with your eyes open, while living your life.
The DBT Mindfulness skills are:
- Wise Mind: access both your emotions and reason to inform your actions and decisions
- Observe: wordlessly notice your internal and external experience
- Describe: use precise language to label your experiences
- Participate: throw yourself completely into life and the present moment
- Non-judgmentally: let go of the evaluations of good and bad
- Effectively: do what works
- One-mindfully: bring your attention to one thing at a time, be wholly present to just this moment