Supportive Reading
What is Mindfulness and how does it relate to counselling?
We live in a busy world and it is easy to get caught up in our endless to-do lists and forget to take the time to be in the present moment. However, life can throw us curve balls from time to time, and the inability to to be present and aware of thoughts, feelings, body sensations and surroundings can result in people feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope. This can lead to a feeling of disconnect with ourselves, others and our environment which in turn can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns.
Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally focusing our attention on the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It is an ancient practice that has its roots in the eastern religious traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism. These days mindfulness is accessible to everyone. Research has shown that a regular mindfulness practice can help people to manage stress and cope better with difficult situations. By staying present and aware during difficult situations, people can respond more effectively and calmly, rather than reacting impulsively or becoming overwhelmed. By training the mind to focus on what is happening in the present moment, individuals can experience increased positive emotions, reduced stress and improved overall mental health. Those people who regularly practice mindfulness report an increased ability to relax, a greater enthusiasm for life and improved wellbeing.
There are many ways to cultivate mindfulness in your everyday life. You can get started on your own and do mindfulness meditation by following guided instructions from a multitude of online videos and smart phone apps. Or you can engage in mindful movement practices such yoga, tai chi and karate. Mindfulness can also be cultivated informally by taking time out in your day to focus your attention to your moment to moment experience. This can be done by focusing your attention on the one thing you are doing in the moment and giving it your full attention. Whether that be brushing your teeth, drinking your morning coffee or walking the dog. It’s about learning to stay present and involves all your senses. Essentially, mindfulness is the art of participating and living consciously in your own life.
However, many people find it challenging to ‘switch off’. They can feel like their minds are a constant stream of thoughts. Either they are ruminating about the past or worrying, rehearsing and planning for something that is coming up. Sometimes people can find themselves stuck in judgemental thought loops about themselves, others or their situations, making it difficult to engage in the present moment. And, eventually these negative thought patterns start to dominate and take over their lives and can lead to feelings of overwhelm and stress.
If you notice you are getting “caught up” in unhelpful thought patterns that are starting to negatively impact your daily life and wellbeing, you may want to consider counselling support. Most counsellors incorporate mindfulness based interventions as part of their therapeutic practice. Whether that is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). There are several ways your counsellor can help you to manage persistent thoughts and feelings and promote a more mindful state of being:
Rediscovering Human Connection: A Vital Ingredient for Mental Health and Wellbeing
In today’s fast paced technology driven world, it is easy to overlook the importance of human connection. We are often consumed by our digital lives, glued to our screens, and increasingly isolated from meaningful human interactions. The impact of this disconnection from ourselves, others and our world can take a toll on our mental health and overall wellbeing.
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As technology continues to make advances, it is undeniable that it has revolutionised the way we live. At the click of a button we can connect with people across the globe, access information instantly and stay constantly entertained. However, this convenience comes at a cost. The more time we spend immersed in the digital world, the less time we have for genuine face-to-face interactions. We become distracted and disconnected from the present moment and lose touch with what it means to be human.
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Nature, plays a crucial role in fostering connection, yet our urbanised lifestyles often keep us confined indoors. The lack of contact with the natural world deprives us of the grounding experience that reconnects us with our own natural essence. It is in nature that we can find solace and peace and a sense of connectedness with all living creatures.
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The absences of human connection, both with others and ourselves, has profound implications for mental health. Loneliness, anxiety, depression, and a sense of emptiness are all too common in our society. We yearn for genuine connections that provide emotional support, validate our experiences and nourish our souls. Without these connections, we can feel adrift, lost and overwhelmed by the challenges that life presents.
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Fortunately professional counsellors can play a vital role in helping individuals to rediscover the power of human connection. By providing a safe and non-judgemental space, counsellors can encourage clients to explore their experiences, emotions and relationships. Through this process, clients begin to reconnect with their authentic selves and develop a deeper understanding of their needs and desires. Counsellors also guide clients in fostering connections with others. This may involve developing communication skills, setting boundaries and learning ways to build meaningful relationships. By providing a listening ear, counsellors can help clients to navigate the path to connection.
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While technology may contribute to our disconnection, it can also be harnessed to facilitate human connection. Social media platforms, when used consciously and intentionally, can provide avenues for meaningful interactions and community building. However, it is crucial to strike a balance, ensuring that online interactions don’t replace or overshadow the importance of person to person connections.
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Additionally, immersing ourselves in nature can be immensely beneficial for mental health. Spending time outdoors, whether through hiking, swimming in the ocean, gardening or simply taking a walk in the park, allows us to reconnect with the natural world, and in turn, reconnect with ourselves. Nature provides us with a sense of awe, serenity and interconnectedness that cannot be found in our screens.
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In a world that is increasingly dominated by technology and isolation, human connection has become more important than ever for our mental health and wellbeing. It is crucial that we recognise the personal impact of our disconnection and actively work towards developing meaningful connections with ourselves, others and our natural world. And, counsellors can play a role in guiding individuals on this journey by offering support and strategies for reconnecting with themselves and creating fulfilling relationships.