What is Mindfulness?
What is Mindfulness?
As a relationship and anxiety therapist, I practice mindfulness with my clients and in my personal life every day.
So, what exactly is mindfulness?
Simply put, mindfulness is literally being aware of what’s going on in this very moment. It means paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and sensations that are happening right now.
Ok, so what does mindfulness (practicing being mindful), actually look like in your day-to-day life? Here are some examples:
How to Practice Mindfulness
Notice your thoughts as they are happening.
- Like, being aware of the actual mind trash (“I can’t do anything
right.” or “Why is this happening to me?” )
2. Pay attention to your body.
- As in, noticing what’s happening with your body (clenching
your fists or your pounding heart)
3. Completely immerse yourself in your current activity
- These are those times when you are so engrossed in something and you
forget about everything else (like when you’re playing the guitar
going for a run)
4. Be aware of your current emotions.
- for example, labeling the feeling or emotion you’re experiencing
(“I feel devastated that I lost the race.” or “I’m feeling guilty for not helping out.”)
5. Do one thing at a time.
- Like, not multi-tasking (If you’re eating, eat. If you’re washing the
dishes, just wash them.)
6. Focus on your breath.
- This could be a structured meditation, paying attention to the breath,
or purposely taking deep breaths (saying to yourself “I’m breathing
in.” I’m breathing out” as you’re breathing.)
So you may be saying to yourself, “Ok, that’s mindfulness, but what’s the point?” Stay tuned for next week’s post for the answers.
Want to learn how to use mindfulness in your life?
Philadelphia DBT
I specialize in anxiety treatment, Borderline Personality Disorder treatment, and trauma counseling in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, and Lebanon, PA.
I’d love to hear from you! Click here or call me at 717-685-5074, to schedule a free, 15-minute, video consultation.