Stress Busters

Mindfulness Meditation

The idea is that you come to realise that thoughts come and go of their own accord and that your conscious self is distinct from your thoughts.You can direct your thoughts in a more positive way. This realisation is encouraged by a gentle question and answer sessions modelled on those in cognitive therapy.

Depression and anxiety hijack our attention. We all tend to bring to the forefront of our minds the thoughts and feelings that relfect our current mood. If you are sad, depressed or anxious then you tend to remember the bad things that have happened to you and not the good. This drives us deeper into a downward spiral and that leads from sadness into a deeper depression. Mindful meditation prevents and breaks that spiral.

A typical meditation:

1. Sit upright in a straight backed chair with your feet flat on the floor with your spine an inch from the back of the chair, or on the floor with your legs crossed.

2. Close your eyes. Use your mind to watch your breath as it flows in and out. Observe your sensations without judgement. Do not try to alter your breathing.

3. After a while your mind may wander. If so gently bring your attention back to your breath. The act of realising that your mind has wandered – and bringing your attention back – is the key thing.

4. Your mind will eventually become calm.

5. Repeat every day for 20 – 30 minutes.

   
   

   An excellent website is: www.getsomeheadspace.com