Mindfulness

I remember attending a Women’s Group Night that my therapist led. It was AMAZING. I learned so much.
She taught the group of us how to meditate and be mindful. When the therapist first asked if any of us could define mindfulness, we couldn’t.

So today, as my therapist did with me, we are going to start from the beginning.

Mindfulness is defined as:

  1. the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. “Their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition”
  2. a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

Okay, so what does that mean exactly? Focusing on the RIGHT NOW. Not the trauma of your past. Not the stressful unknowns of your future. Both of those things you CAN think about, but sometimes it just completely overwhelms you. And this IS OKAY! Each day is so different for all of us.

Mindfulness is an amazing technique that has helped me personally through many tough times. On the days I woke up feeling overwhelmingly anxious and not sure how I was going to even get through the day. I immediately try to draw my thoughts to the PRESENT.

As it is with traumas, you have been so strong for so long and as you know, some days are worse than others. My therapist told me one thing I could easily do at work when I am having an extreme anxious/stressful moment, immediately go wash my hands in ice cold water. Instead of focusing on all the wrongdoings others have done to me, I turn my thoughts to
“I am going to turn the faucet on cold. Wow, the water feels wet on my hands. Ooosh, that is cold. Look at the streams of water pouring off my fingers. ”

This is just ONE example. This 5 minute video explains mindfulness in a very, easy-to-understand way.

*DISCLAIMER: We are not professionals. Starkey and Bodhi is here to assist you in any way we can. We love to share with you the things therapists have taught us in hopes it can help you. If you are not seeking help from a licensed counselor, I suggest you begin to look for one! These professionals can help guide you safely through your healing!