"Transform, Emerge, Become"
Mindfulness
Our sense of reality changes with perception. Do you ever notice certain individuals who are facing challenges and yet somehow seem to keep their cool? Or others who have a tendency to stress out easily?
Most of us spend a lot of time dwelling on the past (what happened, what should have or could have happened) or worrying about the future (what's going to happen). When we get caught up in the past or future, we are not able to enjoy NOW.
Mindfulness basically refers to the ability to stay present and aware of each moment without judgment, fear, regret, or anxiety. Learning how to develop this skill can help us to self-regulate and appreciate the positive aspects within our lives, thereby making it easier to deal with the inevitable obstacles.
Breathing is an important component to the skill of mindfulness. Once we become aware of our breath, we learn that conscious slowing of the breath forces our heart rate to slow down and increases our ability to focus and cope.
Other mindful based approaches, such as guided imagery or guided meditation, may be introduced in therapy. This involves learning to quiet the mind as your therapist verbally guides you through relaxation, imaginative, and self-awareness exercises.
For many, yoga is mindfulness. Research continues to demonstrate not only the physical benefits, but also its mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Kimberly Rodgers trained as a yoga teacher and other yoga instructors are partnering with Monarch Therapy, LLC. Yoga practices are incorporated into the therapeutic process with small yoga classes and individual yoga sessions.
As with any therapeutic approach, some individuals may not feel comfortable with guided imagery, yoga, or other such exercises. You are always invited to express your feelings and thoughts and decline any intervention which does not feel suitable.
For more information, here are some of many resources available:
The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. ~Rabindranath Tagore
