Mindfulness
Mindfulness exercises are offered here as a way to develop relaxation skills and a sense of inner harmony and well-being. They are not substitutes for professional therapy, and people visiting this page should consider, perhaps in consultation with a mental health professional, whether the use of a particular mindfulness exercises is appropriate in their case.
What is 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. It is the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.
What Are the Benefits?
Well-Being
Being mindful makes it easier to savor the pleasures in life as they occur, helps you become fully engaged in activities, and creates a greater capacity to deal with adverse events. By focusing on the here and now, many people who practice mindfulness find that they are less likely to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets over the past, are less preoccupied with concerns about success and self-esteem, and are better able to form deep connections with others.
Physical Health
Mindfulness can relieve stress, treat heart disease, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, improve sleep and alleviate gastrointestinal difficulties.
Mental Health
In recent years, psychotherapists have turned to mindfulness meditation as an important element in the treatment of a number of problems, including: depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, couples’ conflicts, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Source | Mindfulness presentation at Ohio Rehabilitation Association 2018
Mindfulness Practices
There are many mindfulness practices available, and we've put together a few suggestions to get you started. Begin with the Loving Kindness meditation, or follow our guided meditations playlist.
The Monkey Mind
How to Train Your Monkey Mind
Training the Monkey Mind