Mindfulness: What Is It? (Even if you dont know please post so we can help grow the forums accordingly)

[blondguy]

Hi Everybody

This is only the basic dictionary definition...

"Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment without judgement"

• Please be as blunt you wish....If you dont have an idea about mindfulness it would be great if you could let us know
• If mindfulness hasnt worked/or is too broad a concept for you it would great if you can let us know your thoughts too
• If mindfulness has helped you, please help others to help themselves by posting how you have embraced this mindset

It goes without saying that the forums are a judgement free zone and I really hope that everyone can jump in and have their say

Your input is highly valued no matter how you respond to this topic. There are no experts here...New Posters are Most Welcome!!

My Kindest Thoughts

Paul

[Doolhof]

Goodmorning Everyone,

Just passing through fleetingly, I am off to the Op Shop[ for a day of volunteering fun. The ladies there are lovely, we have a chat about all kinds of things.

Speaking of chatting, our brains do get a bit carried away sometimes don't they? It was suggested to me once that a sing a song to help distract myself from the chatter. For some reason my mind does not remember songs at all, that is okay. The only song I could come up with was "Old McDonald's Farm".

While out in the garden singing to myself I had all kinds of animals and creatures wandering through my mind. Certainly made my gardening more entertaining.

Sometimes I try to change the chatter around, like at night when I am trying to sleep. My brain might be telling me "So what did you manage to achieve today?" I can start with getting out of bed, taking my medication, having breakfast and go on to find all the positives of the day.

For me I need to keep practising the things that help me, other wise I totally forget those helps are available.

Wishing you all a day where you consider even the smallest achievements to be very worthy!

Cheers all from Mrs. D.

[Lonelydan]

Mindfulness, disassociation, what an argument. My psychiatrist tells me I should tryout mindfulness I asked how do I do that what is it. It's observing your thoughts without participating in the emotional. I replied so it's being Disassociative he replied no i said wouldn't that be good advice for someone in a stressful occupation he replied probably I said you are a goose who takes people's money and dose nothing but I understand how you need mindfulness I sticking to mindless ignorance is bliss so they say. Danny...

[quirkywords]

Lonely Dan

Now I am totally confused. Was not even sure what disassociation meant but I had an idea. Googled and am even more confused.

Maybe it is not for everyone, I think it is the buzzword for aiding mental health recovery .

Will be interested what other people think of Danny's post.

Quirky

[blondguy]

Hey Quirky

well said about 'buzzwords'! I hear you there

Hey Danny

Thanks for the post. I like your doc's definition " It's observing your thoughts without participating in the emotional"

It does sound easy but Im still getting a handle on it....Paul

[Starwolf]

I think I can clarify the enormous difference between pathological dissociation and mindfulness (voluntary dissociation from the emotions). I was diagnosed with Dissociative identity disorder many years ago (dissociated personalities have long been reintegrated or booted out).

With pathological dissociation, we're not in control, there's no choice...a different personality takes over whether we like it or not. We are temporarily eclipsed.

Mindfulness is an act of control. We decide not to let emotions run wild, make a conscious choice to keep the mind anchored where we want.

There are in fact opposite.

[demonblaster]

Hi Star, thanks for clarification I too am interested in learning about other conditions too.

Is dissociation different to Schitzoprenia?

[blondguy]

Thankyou Star for much needed clarification......much appreciated x

Starwolf mentioned "With pathological dissociation, we're not in control" and "Mindfulness is an act of control. We decide not to let emotions run wild, make a conscious choice to keep the mind anchored where we want."

Demonblaster....Love the avatar..Nice1...and yes dissociation is very different to schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is more of a false view of reality....the voices..sometimes paranoia...are very real to the sufferer through the illness itself.

Have a great day everybody. Paul

[quirkywords]

Starwolf

Thanks for your explanation.

Pathological dissociation sounds awful= what causes it?

Quirky

[Just Sara]

Wow Paul! Page 5 has turned out to be a ripper! What great responses and comments! Your feedback's always relevant and important which keeps the thread going. On ya'!

Mrs D...I too sing to beat the blues. My fave is by the Carpenters from the 70's; 'Sing a Song'

Danny...great to see you on this thread buddy! Do you still see that psych? Way to vent your feelings/opinions as only you can. 🙂

Star...yet another thought provoking and informative post. IDD (MPD multiple personality disorder, as previously called) is complex and can be devastating to the sufferer. Knowing you've beat it only makes my admiration for you grow. How bloody amazing!

My understanding of dissociation comes from experience. I was 11 when it began; (though it could've started earlier) having my dad sneak into my room at night and sexually assault me, caused me to float out of my body to put it metaphorically. My conscious self was separate from the physical me.

This trauma and others, created an habitual inclination for avoidance of scary or helpless situations. Mind wandered, fearful, numbing feelings, out of control and responding like a child.

It turned into a normal state of being detached from my body, and allowing emotions and fear to rule my actions, thoughts and behaviour. Quick to anger was one I had to deal with before my recovery could continue.

To become mindful, I had to connect with my body and rational thinking, or forcing myself out of my emotions and into the present physical environment. It was like living in a vacuum of past traumatic experiences responding to daily life as 'that' disconnected child.

I know when I'm dissociated when my mind fogs up and drifts. Anxiety levels rise and decision making is really hard. Sometimes I pinch myself or hug my body to connect again.

Think about it; my body was being raped which created feelings of urgent helplessness. To escape, my mind automatically detached from the experience to survive and save my sanity.

Trauma faced by a sleeping child, then waking in the middle of it was like being assaulted by a ghost. How can a little girl fathom such an event. So my mind went for a walk. I turned off. The memory didn't return until my early 30's and so did the trauma.

The rest is history. Practicing mindfulness gave me back my body and self empowerment.

Sara xo

[quirkywords]

Sara

No words will be enough to explain how your writing affected me.

I feel so privileged that I had a totally different childhood.

These words give me hope "Practicing mindfulness gave me back my body and self empowerment. "

Quirky