How do you calm your mind? Our minds wander most of the time – thinking about what we have done or must do, worrying, daydreaming, or just fretting. It can get us down sometimes.
Meditation has been around for quite a while as many religions practice different forms of quiet contemplation for increasing calmness and physical relaxation, improving mental well-being, and enhancing overall health and well-being. One form of meditation that has gained some popularity is Mindfulness.
Mindfulness meditation is described as “paying attention to the present moment with an accepting and non-judgemental disposition”, so it isn’t about trying to empty your mind. It means being aware of what’s happening now – especially our own thoughts, emotions, and sensations. It can be particularly useful to bring you back to order and calmness in stressful situations.
Mindfulness can be as simple as taking a moment to think about pleasant emotions and sensations you experienced recently – the scent of a flower, the warmth of a blanket, the texture of food. You can even do it while walking or cycling, or just sitting. This in turn can train us to become more mindful throughout the day, particularly during difficult situations.
A friend of mine suffering from mild depression was told to take time at the end of each day (or during it, if there was a spare moment) to write down three things that she felt positive about for that day. It’s another form of mindfulness as she had to think about what was happening and it helped her feel better about herself.
Perhaps this will be of help to you, or perhaps not, but either way it’s interesting to learn a little more about different approaches to mental wellbeing. There are many websites devoted to Mindfulness Meditation, but this may be a good starting place:
https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/healthy-living/m/mindfulness/
~ Mick Calder, Office Support Volunteer
*Please note that this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition.