Mindfulness is a very simple concept, but a skill that escapes a lot of people. Simply put, when we are mindful we act as an observer of our minds, our thoughts and feelings, without judging, or holding onto anything. The object is to be completely present in the moment, mostly focused on our senses, our eyes, ears, nose, and skin. Having complete faith in ourselves, we simply accept whatever comes, assuming we have all we need to cope with anything as best we can. Worry and regret becomes a major distraction from being mindful in that it distracts from our attention to what is happening now.
Jon Kabat-Zinn's stuff in the right sidebar provides great training material.
Mindfulness has wide application in treatment of anxiety, depression, mood regulation as well as crisis stabilization. Now it has been found helpful in managing pain.
Mindfulness meditation has a quieting effect on me. It gives me a peaceful feeling while doing it and I am able to reduce my back and leg pain by deflecting the pain and by focusing on other parts of my body.
It's also interesting that things like activity planning and exercise were not specifically included in the programme, but activity levels increased. As expected, acceptance of their situation increased, as did quality of life measures. Pain intensity reduced and 'global' health and mental health [improved].
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I wanted to tell you that I like your site and this particular subject. I was wondering if you had a professional book recommendation that is not Eastern religion or meditation focused. I think that if there is not one out there there will eventually be a book about using mindfulness in therapy. Do you know if there is any good ones now? Thanks, CC
Thanks. I've been enjoying reading your stuff too. Actually Zinn's stuff is not about Eastern religion. It does use breathing techniques and some other strategies similar to meditation, but it is not traditional eastern meditation.
There is a book out that has outstanding reviews: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression by Zindel V. Segal, J. Mark G. Williams, and John D. Teasdale.
I think it would be interesting if you post information on how to be more mindful, and in what settings it is best to try to be mindful.
That is coming... I'm working on a on-line emotion education program at ePsyQ.com for clients who have been approved by their therapist. Mindfulness will be an important part of the program. It's probably at least months away.