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

[MarkJT]

Quirky, use that anxiety as a challenge - you are already going to challenge yourself which is awesome but start off with something small and which doesn't matter, then it truly doesn't matter if you wreck it.

The added bonus here is that you are starting off with small things. Do not over anxiety yourself though - start small.

Mark.

[blondguy]

Hey Everybody..I hope you are all doing reasonably okay 🙂

Mark....I live for weeding.....and landscaping too! Have XR8 Ute....will travel 😉

Quirky.....I dont think you could destroy an artificial plant at all.....even if you buy a teenie seedling and you give it some sun...and water....you will surprise yourself....

An old guy that I knew well told me that tending to mother earth is giving back......and when we tend a plant or a garden no matter how small or large we will reap the benefits..........I think he has a point...

I have two big shade sails here and I spent about 45 minutes re tightening them.....they are about 3x3meters each

Like Mark mentioned....it does change our mindset.....I was in the sun and fiddling around with these shade sails and I had no idea that nearly one hour went by.......I was lost in the moment.....for nearly an hour...no negative or intrusive thoughts...

Good on you Quirky for being inspired to challenge yourself...Good1 🙂

Paul

[MarkJT]

Paul, just a note to say congrats on your post passing the 300 post mark.

Some really good conversation in this one and a whole lot of education and awareness.

Brilliant thread!

Mark

[blondguy]

Thanks heaps Mark for the 300+. Crackerjack support from the Mindfulness Coach...yourself 🙂

The education & awareness is wonderful as many people that have had therapy back in the 1980's where taught the benefit of distraction..mindfulness is a more holistic thought process that does support recovery

Have a good one!

Paul

[MarkJT]

Paul, interesting point you bring up with the benefit of distraction. (on a side note, massive case of de ja vu at the moment - feel i have posted this post already!!).

I saw a psych in 2010 and was clearly chockers with PTSD but she only gave me distraction and diversion tactics. They worked a bit but this is a massive band aid case. Needed to address and fix the core issues, my trauma but didn't.

One of the biggest reasons why i say that if you are not happy with your clinician, get a new one.

Mark.

[blondguy]

Hey Mark, so true on the 'coping mechanisms' being taught for so long and many therapists not working on the core issues.

The determination to change our clinician is important as you said. I am a huge believer in a good therapist will dig around and ask us questions that put us out of our comfort zone...Many people leave the counselor at this point thinking it has to be all happy stuff....It isnt.

I like that....our core issues need to be addressed...thus the need for a good therapist..

No pain...(in therapy)...no gain..

Best. Paul

[CMF]

Today I had my psych appt. While i sit there waiting i take note of the waiting area. It is a little pokey office on the 4th floor with a magnificent view of the city. I took a photo the first time. When it is windy like today the ceiling creaks ALOT. It has brown seats and an ottoman opposite the window, which i usually sit on but today it has the sign that says 'please be seated' etc. It has a little blue shelf/table with magazines and a colouring book, water and some brochures. I noticed that the 'please be seated sign' is in a red frame which just clashes with everything and i don't like it much. Red is a very strong colour. Today I had to sit in a different seat and i noticed that there is a bathroom and a little sink with tea/coffee etc. I guess that is mindfulness right?

cmf

[blondguy]

Hi CMF

It sure is 🙂

If we 'lose' ourselves concentrating on something else that takes our mind off our woes...issues...then yes that is mindfulness.....Nice1

Brown seats ......and an ottaman...oh my lord! The red can be a problem sometimes as you mentioned. Red is the Chinese color for happiness though....so I was told

Noticing that bathroom and little sink with the tea and coffee is mindfulness. If you didnt notice it...then you would have been solely concentrating on your invasive thoughts

Thats a great example of mindfulness CMF and thankyou too

my kindest. Paul

[MarkJT]

Paul, no pain, no gain - spot on. Psychs are there to challenge, to bring the pain to the surface and then remedy that pain. Going through exposure therapy, plenty of pain but a tonne of gain. Great call.

CMF - giddee up! Can you tell me how you felt when you were taking all of those things in? Did you feel a tad calmer or as Paul says, did you forget about your invasive thoughts?

Mark.

[CMF]

Hi Mark,

Yes felt very calm. I had a brisk walk there in the crisp air too so felt good. Out the window i can see my suburb the parking lots, shopping strip, cars on the rd. It's fun to watch.