Welcome to the beginning of a weekly blog dedicated to Mindfulness!
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 Good to Yourself:
During a difficult experience, give yourself a chance to feel SAFE
Soften into what you’re feeling. Breathing in, open to the feeling. Breathing out, soften around it. Softening includes relaxing your muscles, releasing tension, calming your breathing, acknowledging all thoughts and feelings to occur.
Allow the feeling to be as it is, without resisting or clinging to it. Don’t try to rationalize, justify, or correct the thought or feeling. (continue breathing in/out with awareness slowly)
Feel into the emotion with kind attention. Ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” If you know what you need, send it to yourself. For example, say, “May I know that I am loved.” If you don’t know what you need, continue to breathe and be open to new ideas.
Expand awareness to all the people around the world who are feeling the same way right now. Take what you need and send it outward, saying, “May we all know that we are loved.” Repeat this mantra each time you need a helpful reminder.
During this process, you will feel begin to feel calmer, in both your mind and body. Repeat regularly.
During a difficult experience, give yourself a chance to feel SAFE
Soften into what you’re feeling. Breathing in, open to the feeling. Breathing out, soften around it. Softening includes relaxing your muscles, releasing tension, calming your breathing, acknowledging all thoughts and feelings to occur.
Allow the feeling to be as it is, without resisting or clinging to it. Don’t try to rationalize, justify, or correct the thought or feeling. (continue breathing in/out with awareness slowly)
Feel into the emotion with kind attention. Ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” If you know what you need, send it to yourself. For example, say, “May I know that I am loved.” If you don’t know what you need, continue to breathe and be open to new ideas.
Expand awareness to all the people around the world who are feeling the same way right now. Take what you need and send it outward, saying, “May we all know that we are loved.” Repeat this mantra each time you need a helpful reminder.
During this process, you will feel begin to feel calmer, in both your mind and body. Repeat regularly.
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.
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