We often tend to make life more painful than it needs to be. Mindfulness is a practice (developed through thousands of years of cultural evolution) as an antidote to some of our natural habits, such as worrying about the future or blaming ourselves for the past. Mindfulness is an attitude toward experience. When we tune into moment-to-moment experience, we have hope of alleviating our suffering and adding meaning to our lives.
Mindfulness involves finding an internal witness to observe our emotions and experiences from a place of detachment. By observing our emotions from a distance, we are less likely to feel overwhelmed by an emotion or a sensation, particularly if we are experiencing a severe emotional reaction or intense pain. When we tune into our emotions or sensations, we remind ourselves to do so without judgment and without self-blame. We tell ourselves that change is inevitable and the pain will pass.
Mindfulness helps us embrace, rather than resist, the ups and downs of life. We cultivate awareness and acceptance of our present experience. Our ability to cultivate mindfulness increases with practice. Start practicing now and notice an improvement in your quality of life!
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“Using my professional training and experience, I provide an environment in which you can feel comfortable exploring new insights and options. The ability to view yourself and your situation from a broader perspective can lead you to a sense of empowerment and to making positive changes.
We can also work on developing new skills in interpersonal relationships, stress management for mind/body wellness, and healing from emotional pain, both present and past.” -Margie Freeman, LCSW
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