MINDFUL THOUGHTS & SKILLS
THE NATURE OF MINDFULNESS
The nature of mindfulness is conscious, deliberate, empowering, and present. It's a process of unfolding in more organic ways that help you feel more authentic. Practicing mindfulness is a form of self-intimacy. It is a vehicle for self-discovery and an inner exploration that leads one to deeper states of self-connection and alignment.
In order to understand the function of practicing mindfulness we have to differentiate what mindfulness is and what it is not. Some equate mindfulness simply with the concept of awareness. However, there is a difference. In a state of mindfulness, you learn to acknowledge what is present in the moment with acceptance and without any judgments. This allows for a space of surrendering into states of observation. You learn to be curious rather than reactive.
In order to understand the function of practicing mindfulness we have to differentiate what mindfulness is and what it is not. Some equate mindfulness simply with the concept of awareness. However, there is a difference. In a state of mindfulness, you learn to acknowledge what is present in the moment with acceptance and without any judgments. This allows for a space of surrendering into states of observation. You learn to be curious rather than reactive.
WHAT MINDFULNESS IS
1. Becoming more aware
2. Being intentional
3. Participating fully
4. Staying present in each moment
1. Becoming more aware
2. Being intentional
3. Participating fully
4. Staying present in each moment
WHAT MINDFULNESS IS NOT
1. Meditation (but helps us to be more mindful)
2. Escape from reality
3. "Getting it all together"
4. Being passive or non-emotional
1. Meditation (but helps us to be more mindful)
2. Escape from reality
3. "Getting it all together"
4. Being passive or non-emotional
Now that you know what mindfulness are and what they are not, we can break the skills down into two sections in what is called the "What" skills and the “How” skills. Below describes how we use the Mindfulness What and How skills in healthy and more effective ways.
THE MINDFULNESS "WHAT" SKILLS
THE "WHAT" SKILLS TEACH HOW TO PRACTICE AND APPLY MINDFULNESS SKILLS
THE "WHAT" SKILLS TEACH HOW TO PRACTICE AND APPLY MINDFULNESS SKILLS
1. OBSERVE
Observing is simply noticing your thoughts, feelings, sensations and any external stimuli without putting any words to it. You begin to pay attention to the present moment rather than fixate on past or future. Observing without any further commentary helps to develop a neutral state or neutral mind which, is also called the wise mind.
2. DESCRIBE
Describing is putting words, labeling, or naming these experiences without judgments, criticisms, or trying to change or fix what you notice. You practice focusing inward while you pay attention within the act of noticing or observing.
3. PARTICIPATE
Participation is being totally present and fully alive in the experience. Participation includes observing and describing what you notice in the moment in a state of acceptance and without any added judgements or commentary. This also includes noticing when there may be resistance, avoidance, or other protections that might inhibit your ability to participate fully.
Observing is simply noticing your thoughts, feelings, sensations and any external stimuli without putting any words to it. You begin to pay attention to the present moment rather than fixate on past or future. Observing without any further commentary helps to develop a neutral state or neutral mind which, is also called the wise mind.
2. DESCRIBE
Describing is putting words, labeling, or naming these experiences without judgments, criticisms, or trying to change or fix what you notice. You practice focusing inward while you pay attention within the act of noticing or observing.
3. PARTICIPATE
Participation is being totally present and fully alive in the experience. Participation includes observing and describing what you notice in the moment in a state of acceptance and without any added judgements or commentary. This also includes noticing when there may be resistance, avoidance, or other protections that might inhibit your ability to participate fully.
THE MINDFULNESS "HOW" SKILLS
The "How" skills help facilitate awareness in those areas that might be blocking the capacity of being more mindful.
They also assist in discerning effectiveness in navigating experiences in healthier more intentional ways.
The "How" skills help facilitate awareness in those areas that might be blocking the capacity of being more mindful.
They also assist in discerning effectiveness in navigating experiences in healthier more intentional ways.
1. NON-JUDGEMENT OR ACCEPTANCE
Acceptance allows the experience to be as it is. In a state of acceptance you automatically let go of any attachments still lingering or have any hold on you. Thereby, lessening the experience of inner-conflict.
2. ONE-MINDFULLY OR BEING PRESENT
Being Present is being fully invested in the moment. You are not lost in the past or thinking about the future. You are doing one thing at a time with full awareness rather than splitting your attention between many variables.
3. EFFECTIVENESS
Effectiveness is about learning how to be effective in your approach to our life. Doing what works for you rather than what works for other's. Effectiveness reduces thinking in extremes or in black and white terms, i.e., right/wrong, good/bad, positive/negative as well as curbs impulsive behaviors.
Acceptance allows the experience to be as it is. In a state of acceptance you automatically let go of any attachments still lingering or have any hold on you. Thereby, lessening the experience of inner-conflict.
2. ONE-MINDFULLY OR BEING PRESENT
Being Present is being fully invested in the moment. You are not lost in the past or thinking about the future. You are doing one thing at a time with full awareness rather than splitting your attention between many variables.
3. EFFECTIVENESS
Effectiveness is about learning how to be effective in your approach to our life. Doing what works for you rather than what works for other's. Effectiveness reduces thinking in extremes or in black and white terms, i.e., right/wrong, good/bad, positive/negative as well as curbs impulsive behaviors.
Learning the "what" and "how" skills to mindfulness is an essential foundational skill and life tool.
When you practice mindfulness skills consistently you can change your approach to life in more healthy and effective ways.
When you practice mindfulness skills consistently you can change your approach to life in more healthy and effective ways.
Love,
Jennifer
Gentle Touch Healing
Healing through Compassion
Mindfulness Skills, The Nature of Mindfulness, 9.11.2022
- Emotional Wellness Coaching
MORE ABOUT EMOTIONAL WELLNESS COACHING HERE>>
Jennifer
Gentle Touch Healing
Healing through Compassion
Mindfulness Skills, The Nature of Mindfulness, 9.11.2022
- Emotional Wellness Coaching
MORE ABOUT EMOTIONAL WELLNESS COACHING HERE>>