Mindful Blog – Be Balanced

Welcome back to the weekly blog from Private Counseling dedicated to Mindfulness!

-- Quick Recap --
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
Myth: Mindfulness = completely clearing your mind of any thoughts, breathing calmly, and being peaceful.
Truth: There are MANY ways to be mindful! I hope it is a relief for you to realize that you don’t have to empty your mind (because that can be almost impossible). We will focus on 6 categories of Mindfulness (created by Dr. Elisha Goldstein) – 1) Being Calm 2) Being in the Here and Now 3) Being Good to Yourself 4) Being Happy 5) Being Kind 6) Being Balanced

This week’s goal is to Be Balanced: by
​Acknowledging your Wise Self

• Imagine yourself many years from now. Imagine you are looking back at your present self.
• What advice might your older (and maybe wiser) self give you?
• Perhaps your wise self would point out that you have important and precious things in the present that you are currently ignoring?
• What is here in the present that may not be here later on?
• Examples: Perhaps you are stressed about work; however, your future (wise) self might tell you to release the tension and focus on what’s going well. Or, perhaps your future (wise) self would remind you that your children are going to grow up quickly and encourage you to savor your time with them now.
• Write down what your wise self is telling you to focus on now.
• Practice paying attention to this sage advice daily. 

Author

Bree Winkler is a licensed professional counselor in Atlanta, GA. Bree specializes in helping clients manage anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship issues. Contact Bree today to schedule your initial session.