“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
- Viktor E. Frankl
MINDFULNESS PRACTICES
Mindfulness brings our awareness to the present moment. As human beings we are easily distracted and continue to examine past events and try anticipate the future. Becoming aware of our thoughts, feelings and sensations whilst suspending self judgement and self-criticism can allow for positive shifts in our immediate realities. Mindfulness does not take our pain away, nor eliminate life’s challenges but it can help us recognise our often unconscious and habitual responses to everyday events.
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MBCT) combines cognitive behavioural techniques in conjunction with mindfulness strategies in order to help individuals better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions. By teaching awareness for one's physical and mental state in the moment, mindfulness allows for more adaptive reactions to difficult situations and encourages us to open up and accept our emotions. Research has shown that mindfulness practice helps reduce anxiety and depression.
Part of the mindfulness based stress reduction sessions will start as you set an intention for the session, followed by simple breathing and meditation techniques which progress into talk work as the body sinks deeper into relaxation. If you are finding it difficult to calm the mind and still your thoughts, we will move into a specific longer guided journey, similar to a Yoga Nidra session. During this session you will move into a state of conscious deep sleep however, your mind will be alert and awake. This session is 1hr; a 20min guided practice, after which a 20min talking session begins and lastly, a 10min consolidation follows to integrate body and mind work.
My experience of this combination of intention, body awareness, breath awareness, emotional awareness, visualization, due to the body being in such a state of deep relaxation, is an extremely powerful tool of letting go. Out of this ‘state’ verbalisations of misunderstood feelings, anger, blame, guilt, and shame seem to be more easily accessible and allowed to be spoken of and released. Many images, thoughts, unconscious feelings come up and are much more easily accessible, which allows for ease of communication and understanding of what is happening within, once the talk work begins. Re-integration of emotion, revitalization of energy, real positive changes and rejuvenation begin during the final 10mins. One leaves with a restored sense of balance and harmony, having let go the negative holding patterns locked within our bodies and subconscious.