What are meditation and mindfulness practices?
Meditation is the practice of purposeful, focused awareness. It is a practice that helps us train our mind to fully focus where we choose to direct it without wandering off constantly. Mindfulness is a state of mind that is often associated with meditation practice. Mindfulness brings your focus to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations of the present moment in a neutral state of mind. It is simply being aware and fully present in the moment without being judgmental of what it is that you are noticing.
Mindfulness and meditation practices help counter our mind's natural negative habits. Most of us are so distracted by worries or daydreams of what may happen in the future or what has happened in the past that we forget to live in the present moment most of the time. Even when we are paying attention to the current moment, we often become stuck in the process of automatic judgments and criticisms. Our attention may be drawn to what is wrong, how this moment could have been better, or how we wish it had been instead. We are rarely able to truly enjoy being in the moment without the negative influences of the mind, which leads to feeling stressed, depressed, and overwhelmed.
Research has shown that meditation practices can strongly affect not only the mind but also the body. Even short periods of meditation have been shown to improve immune system functioning, increase tolerance to pain, and increase the rate of healing. Mindfulness/meditation practices have been used for everything from treating health concerns to creating more positive states of mind. Long-term practice has even been shown to change the structure of the brain to improve focus, memory, and management of emotions. Below are just a few examples of what can be improved with mindfulness/meditation practices.
- Stress
- Depression/anxiety
- Addictions
- Focus/productivity
- Creativity
- Sleep/ rejuvenating the body
- Body pain
- Heart conditions
- Immune system
- Empathy/compassion
- Connection to higher power
Learn how to start your own meditation and mindfulness practices
Learn how to…
- Create a personalized meditation practice to best achieve your goals
- Use both quick informal and longer formal practices
- Use breathing exercises to control your emotions and energy level
- Create a more positive, patient, and non-judgmental mindset
As you advance in your meditation practices, learn to …
- Identify and challenge mental barriers that keep you from deepening your meditation experiences
- Use insight meditation to gain greater insight into yourself
- Use meditation for inner child/reparenting work
For years, I have worked with my clients using mindfulness, meditation, visualization, and breathing practices to create great changes in their lives. I have led meditation groups and worked with individuals to create custom meditation plans to fit their needs and lifestyles best. Through my years of personal practice and working with my clients, I have seen the great impact these simple practices can have. Whether you are interested in just using a few short practices to reduce stress or more advanced formal practices to increase personal insight and healing, we can work together to find the best path to enrich your life.
Check out the article Why Seeing a Mental Health Therapist Can Help Elevate Your Meditation Practice to learn more.
Are you ready to live a more mindful and focused life? If so, visit the Request an Appointment page to request a free consultation.