Mindfulness means upholding a moment-by-moment attentiveness of our thoughts, feelings, physical perceptions, and proximate milieu, with a gentle, supporting eye. At what time we exercise mindfulness, our contemplations harmonize into what we’re presently perceiving, rather than revisiting the past or visualizing the future. Mindfulness is a state of in-the-moment consciousness in which one circumvents adjudging oneself or others.
Research has revealed that mindfulness can lead to various benefits including:
- reduced anxiety
- reduced emotional reactivity
- enhanced focus
- improved memory and
- healthier relationships
There are many other benefits of mindfulness. They include everything from psychological to cognitive to physical improvements. For example, studies have shown that mindfulness can improve fear modulation, intuition, and metacognition. Meanwhile, evidence indicates that mindfulness meditation enhances information processing speed while reducing effort and disruptive thoughts. Finally, being mindful can lead to better immune functioning and the ability to more successfully manage chronic pain.
We can engage our clients in the practice of mindfulness through guided meditation and breathing exercises often incorporated in classical yoga and the martial arts.
The focus of meditation is to be 100% present in what we say and do. When we are present in what we say and do, we are more alive. To be more alive, more joyous and more free, is the goal of all therapy.
~Paul M. Bertolino, LCSW
Executive Director, CEO
