Spring 2014
Wikepedia includes the following definition of Mindfulness: among other things, mindfulness is an attentive awareness of the reality of things (especially of the present moment) without judgment. While the principles of mindfulness stem from Buddhism, the concepts have been taught in psychology and progressively become more mainstreamed since the 1970's.
As a quick experiment in attentive awareness, take a sip of water, paying attention to your arm reaching for the glass, the texture and temperature of the glass, the feeling as the water reaches your lips and tongue, the sensation of swallowing. Attentive and Aware.
Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddist monk writes and leads retreats to help people develop and deepen a sense of peace through mindfulness. He suggests a mindful attitude in all daily activities, including breathing, walking, bathing, cooking and eating.
A 2012 Carnegie Mellon University research study found that mindful meditation helped reduce feelings of loneliness and inflammation among older adults as well as helping to manage anxiety, depression and pain.
At the University of Washington, Seattle, professor David Levy teaches a course called "Information and Contemplation" where he begins each class with 15 minutes of doing absolutely nothing. In a world where we've been driven to multi-task, he encourages
'Mono-tasking' and
'Tech fasts'. He encourages meaningful conversations
and walks with friends.
It's interesting that the word Mindful means just the opposite of Mind Full.
In Craniosacral Therapy, there's no striving. All you need to do is show up prepared to slow down.
A client recently wore her Fitbit Activity and Sleep Monitor into a session. Here's what she shared when she looked at the results of her session.
"It registered me 'falling asleep' in 5 minutes, waking 0 times , being in an undisturbed resting state for 55 minutes with "sleep" time = 49 minutes. This was rated at 100% efficiency."
If you have a device that monitors sleep, consider wearing it for an upcoming session. I've just ordered a unit to monitor myself during fitness and daily activities, sleep and Craniosacral Therapy sessions. I have some theories. Stay Tuned!
Here are some great resources on Mindfulness:
My colleague Angela Savitri is offering a weekly 15 minute Meditation series for Women. Even if you cannot attend, you will receive a free meditation audio.
My friends Matthew J. Taylor, PT, PhD and Sari Roth-Roemer, Psychologist, PhD are giving a seminar for Healthcare Professionals on Mindfulness
Thich Nhat Hanh Happiness-
Essential Mindfulness Practices
"Fill" your mind with just one thing at a time.
Allow yourself to be grounded, present,
centered and calm.
Sari
*I will be out of the office 22-27 May, so, please plan ahead for scheduling needs.
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A Craniosacral Therapy Sessions is a lovely Mother's Day gift!
Gift Certificates available now!
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