There are some great articles in this months issue of Lifeline Anxiety Disorder Newsletter
Here’s a sneak peak.
Living in the moment; experiencing the present; letting thoughts come and go
Mindfulness, practised for years in such Eastern philosophies as Taoism, Buddhism and Yoga, has emerged in western society, in recent years, as a useful tool to treat psychologically stressful conditions including chronic pain, depression and anxiety. It is also recognised as useful in increasing self-awareness and improving emotional intelligence, as well as in effectively handling painful thoughts and feelings.In simple terms, mindfulness means being completely in the present – living in the moment. The mind is cleared of every thought, decision and problem, and only the present moment is being experienced as it is, without any stress-inducing thoughts or preconceived ideas about it.
In more complex terms, it is being willing to see the world as if for the first time and, therefore, being open to impartial observation. Patience to let things develop entirely in their own time is required, trust in oneself and one’s capabilities and acceptance of the thoughts and feelings that this moment is bringing. This acceptance means not connecting a thought to a feeling. Thoughts and feelings must just come and go. For people in the Western world, accepting what the moment is bringing is the most difficult part of mindfulness but, once achieved, the stress-free state it brings can be truly appreciated.
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