by Larry Cammarata, PhD
Introduction
Mindfulness meditation is a research-validated method of reducing stress, coping with pain and illness, enhancing wellness, and increasing self-awareness and compassion. Mindfulness is an essential skill that can be learned as a formal meditation practice and as a natural way of peacefully relating to our mind, body, emotions, and the people and situations we encounter in everyday life. The following article addresses how mindfulness can support health, wellness, and the quality of our relationships.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness can be defined as being present to ongoing experience with a sense of acceptance and without the constraints of negative or distorted thinking. Much of the time, our minds are focused on the past or the future. However, the source of happiness and wellness resides within our connection to the present moment, which is the only moment there is.
Why Mindfulness?
Scientific Credibility
Scientific studies have reported numerous health benefits associated with the practice of mindfulness meditation, including: improved cardiovascular health, reduced anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure, reduction of chronic pain and stress, and improved sleep.
Clear Mind
Over time, the practice of mindfulness can enhance one’s concentration and focus, resulting in greater clarity and calmness of mind and the ability to let go of the self-defeating stories, judgments, and beliefs that get in the way of our health and wellness.
Relaxed Body
While mindfulness is not about attaining a special state of mind or body, practitioners of mindfulness can train their bodies to relax deeply. A relaxed body reinforces the clarity and calmness of mind that mindfulness cultivates.
Open Heart
Over time, the practice of mindfulness enhances compassion towards self and others, allowing us to relate to others in less defensive and reactive ways. Compassion is about being skillfully present to the distress and suffering of self and others, which is a pathway towards greater joy, friendliness, and emotional stability. Being compassionate cultivates a more accepting, kind, and open attitude, which makes it easier to form deep meaningful relationships. The practice of mindfulness creates the conditions for true happiness, which is the result of accepting reality on reality’s terms with an open heart.
What Makes Mindfulness Valuable?
Although mindfulness has recently been greatly popularized, which has cast a ‘pop culture’ shadow upon it, the practice has endured for at least 2600 years for good reason. It is not a quick fix, nor a ‘feel good’ remedy. Although it can be used to relieve stress, stabilize mood, and enhance health & wellness, the practice of mindfulness can also cultivate equanimity, compassion, kindness, and joy in the face of changing external conditions. Some would call that a very valuable commodity. I would call it “love”.
Upcoming Mind Body Wellness Program
Education relevant to mind-body stress reduction will be incorporated into the class meetings.
Dates & Time: Three Wednesdays on JUNE 1, JULY 6, & AUGUST 3 at 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Register for one, two, or all three classes (receive a $15 discount for all three, contact us for details 828-348-5372 or ashley@stillpointwell.com)
Larry Cammarata, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist specializing in mindfulness-oriented therapy and education. Larry was designated as an "Author-Expert" by IDEA for his writing, teaching, and service in the field of mind-body health, fitness, and wellness. He is a co-author of the book entitled, A Year of Living Mindfully: 52 Quotes & Weekly Mindfulness Practices. Additionally, Larry is an instructor of Tai Chi and Qigong who teaches weekly classes in Asheville. His work on mindful movement was presented at the 11th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine.
