The whole world opens when we accept this moment, this very moment.
Perhaps you find yourself always thinking about something other than where you are and what you are doing or worrying about the past or something scary in the future. It is natural—we all do it. But our inattention to THIS moment can rob us of joy.
What is mindfulness? Mindfulness involves intentional attention to the present moment—with compassion and without judgment. Being right here, right now. Not concerned with what just happened, with what happened ten years ago, or with what may happen in one hour. When we are mindful, we can truly breathe, we expand, we can embrace this moment.
Mindfulness may include guided visualization, meditation, conscious breath, yoga or various grounding techniques. It helps us train our brains to tap into their natural capacities for self-correction and healing. It helps eliminate our unconscious negative thinking patterns and redirect our attention to joy. Research supports the effectiveness of these tools in shifting brain patterns, reducing stress and contributing to an overall increase in mental, emotional, social and spiritual functioning.
Wisdom comes with the ability to be still. Just look and just listen. No more is needed.
When clients are interested, we incorporate mindfulness into their sessions. Perhaps at the beginning to get grounded. Perhaps at the end to close and go back to their day in a peaceful and expansive posture. Or perhaps in the middle if they feel dysregulated or anxious. Whenever we take a moment to reconnect with the present moment, peace and freedom follow.
