Mindfulness teaches us to live in the “here and now." It is a valuable tool that allows us to take a step back, breathe and observe the unfolding of the present moment. It teaches us to become aware of the space in between the doing. The space in between the stillness. With this awareness, we begin to acknowledge the simplicities in life and cultivate an acceptance of all that that life brings to us, the “good” and the “bad.” It sets the stage for a conscious, peaceful, non- judgmental response as opposed to a reaction (a whim choicefueled by emotion).  In practicing mindfulness skills, we learn how to leap over the thoughts and manage our impulses. We learn how to actually train the brain to bypass old neural circuits (producing irrational behavioral patterns fueled by anxiety, fear, and anger) and replace them with new mindful or conscious circuits.  Mindfulness skills have been noted to: reduce chronic pain, symptoms of anxiety, phobias and depression, to decrease binge eating and to increase tolerance of distressing situations while promoting relaxation. Practicing mindfulness teaches us how to be conscious beings. Being conscious means aligning the self with the true essence of who we are, the part of us that makes powerful choices based on the spiritual principles and Universal laws. Leading us to the creativity of healthy balanced life choices that inevitably lead to a happier, healthier, more fun and fulfilled life!  

 

Mindfulness skills include integrated mind-body techniques such as: