Topic Tuesday//How can I be mindful when I have a mindFULL//Tues. 20 March. 7pm - 9pm AEDT

[Adge]

When I do my mindfulness meditation - I focus on my breath "in & out", & on my body sensations (tingling toes etc).

I briefly name each feeling ("anxiety", "numbness"), as I stay focusing on my breaths (in & out).

I can't do breathing exercises effectively when out & about.

But I do a meditation twice (or so) each day, in the morning & in the afternoon.

It calms & "centres" me, lifts my mood (sometimes a lot) - & it increases my energy, when feeling very fatigued.

Adge

[Former-Member]

I agree @Queenie breathing was something I was taught to (to think we have to be taught how to breathe ) it has become so much second nature that I forget to include it in. 

[soul]

Hi all. Have just caught up with the conversation. To me, a big part of mindfulness is deciphering what is real and what is not. When we are stressed, we can imagine things that are not true. Fears that aren't justified but because we are in such a distressed state, we feel that the whole world is going to come crashing down and that there is no hope.

I have experienced this many times. I have to consciously tell myself this is not the case - reassure myself, distract myself from these negative thoughts.  

[Former-Member]

@Former-Member - it's inspiring to hear how much it has helped you. 

Being kind to ourselves is a whole nother kettle of fish as we can imagine but by learning mindfulness, trying to add it to our lives, this can almost be the side effect - being kind to the self. Drawing away focus from pain as you have said.

[Former-Member]

@Adge great tips! Will be helpful when I bring up ideas on what to do for mindfulness later this evening!

[Shaz51]

to think we have to be taught how to breathe-- yes @Former-Member, my mr shaz asked about breathing exercises and how to do them

[Former-Member]

Ohmyyesindeed, being kind to ourselves and different kettles of fishes @Former-Member. 

you are right though, we have to start somewhere withe the learning to be kind to ourselves, and mindfulness breathing is probably one of the bestest places to begin.

Once we have that working a bit, it seems to clear the head and mind to be able to see beyond the pain that is eating at us. I think, maybe ... 

[Former-Member]

Hi @soul, great to have you here tonight!
I agree that our minds can play tricks on us and that can be really hard to identify and acknowledge. A part of being mindful is to sometimes let all that is in the mind sit and be there while you breath or take part in a mindful activity. It can be quite intriguing to see which thoughts are still valid to you after these mindful times. It can help us gain perspective ongoing - which can help that deciphering you mentioned!

[Former-Member]

Oh @Shaz51 that's wonderful. Is he going to do some? You must feel somewhat excited by that query. 

[soul]

I have also used mindfulness to deal with pain. I chose to cut down and then eliminate my nerve pain meds as they were giving me undesirable side effects. Now I acknowledge the pain but don't focus on it. I recall one of my therapists say that the pain was good because it meant that I had sensation through my hand. Looking at it that way eased its sting so to speak.