Why Mindfulness?

Do you notice how much of our days are spent on “auto-pilot”? 

Have you found yourself wondering “where does the time go?”?  Or realizing the many things (large and small) that you really don’t remember doing?

The truth is that many of us are living “mindlessly”, unaware, sleep walking through much of our lives.  And knowing at some deep level, that we’re missing out………but not knowing what to do to make it better.   I want you to know that there is hope, and there is a way.   It’s called “Mindfulness”.

“Mindfulness” is an attitude that helps us shift away from “auto-pilot” toward “present minded-ness”, enabling us to fully experience our lives.  It’s not magic or a panacea, however, it is powerful and transformational. 

Mindfulness is essentially about being present, paying attention to what is happening “right now”, and being aware of your experiences moment to moment.   

The concept of “Mindful Living” is simple, but in our complex and stressful culture, it is not easy!

So how do we do learn to become more mindful each day?    With commitment and a lot of practice!  Fortunately, the practice of mindfulness is often pleasurable, relaxing, and immediately brings us back to the present moment.  And even when we consider life’s events to be “unpleasant”, mindfulness helps us to cope effectively and authentically. We’ll never be 100% Mindful (we are human, after all!), but with time and diligent practice, we can reduce stress, “deal” with life’s ups and downs, and more fully experience our lives.  Would you like that? 

Here are a few typical ways Mindfulness practice can support you:

• Reduce stressors and the negative impact of stress that drains our energy, leaving us vulnerable to illness, depression and anxiety.
• Enjoy more moments of your life, feeling aware, not distracted by the past or future, but feeling a sense of “flow” with exactly what is happening in your life, right now. 
• Manage chronic pain and illness.
• Move through difficult life change and transition…….without avoiding scary feelings or “sugar-coating” reality.
• Lower feelings of anxiety and panic.
• Recover from depression and prevent depression from returning.
• Enhance your relationships with family, friends and co-workers. 
• Live a healthier and “saner” life! 

I am offering focused courses in mindfulness, including the curriculum for the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program, taught for over 30 years at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and his colleagues.  I’m currently completing training at the Center for Mindfulness to be able to offer you advanced strategies and guidance for practicing MBSR.   To learn more about MBSR, simply click here (it will take you to website for the Center for Mindfulness at U-Mass Medical Center). 

 To stay updated and learn more, please sign up for my newsletter and consider joining my Facebook page, which focuses on the practice of Mindfulness.  Both areas for signing up are on the left margin of this page.  In addition to receiving occasional email announcements for classes and special events, I’ll share audio programs and simple ways of bringing Mindfulness into your everyday life. 

 Please join us and make a commitment to your life and well-being.  

I welcome you!