What is not Mindfulness
To better explain what mindfulness practice is, I thought I would start by describing what mindfulness is not.
Mindfulness is not about emptying your mind On the contrary, it develops the ability to understand that our thoughts are simply thoughts and not necessarily an accurate reflection of external reality. It allows us to stop chasing thoughts we might consider harmful, irrational, or useless, without trying to block them, as this would increase stress. Mindfulness helps us see our thoughts clearly instead of fighting against them.
Mindfulness is not a method for relaxation. While practicing mindfulness can lead to relaxation, this is not the primary goal. Instead, it invites us to observe and accept our current state in the present moment, whether we are tense, angry, or restless.
It is not a method for avoiding unpleasant experiences. Although pain is inevitable, mindfulness works on our response to negative experiences. It helps us enhance our ability to experience pain by distinguishing painful sensations from the suffering that arises from our reactions to them. By accepting pain rather than resisting it, our suffering diminishes.
Mindfulness is not about being passive It doesn’t mean you ignore problems or stop striving for goals. It encourages a balanced approach to life, promoting active and conscious engagement with the present moment.
It is not the pursuit of bliss.
With mindfulness, we learn that emotional states are transient, and we should not try to stop them or cling to pleasant moments. We need to observe and accept all sensations, including the unpleasant ones, without viewing them as failures.
It is not self-indulgence.
Mindfulness leads us to view ourselves for who we are and to fully accept ourselves, creating a secure foundation for change. Unconditional acceptance is not for adaptive patterns but for ourselves as individuals.
Modes of Doing vs. Modes of Being
In mindfulness, Modes of Doing and Modes of Being refer to different approaches or mindsets that influence how we interact with our experiences and ourselves.Mindfulness is the key that allows us to transition from the mode of doing to the mode of being, using attention and awareness. Through mindfulness, action arises from being.
There are seven mental characteristics that contrast the mode of doing with the mode of being:
- Acting Automatically vs. Acting Consciously
- Analyze vs. Perceive
- Struggle vs. Accept
- Considering thoughts as objective reality vs. Treating them as mental events.
- Avoid vs. Face
- Being distracted vs. Being in the present moment.
- Engaging in energy-draining activities vs. Engaging in nourishing activities.
In mindfulness, the Mode of Being is often encouraged as it promotes a more accepting and present-centered approach, whereas the Mode of Doing is more about achieving and changing. Balancing these modes can lead to a more holistic and effective way of engaging with life and one’s internal experiences.
The Mind-Body Connection
The mind and body continuously exchange emotional information: what the body feels is influenced by emotions and thoughts, and what we think is influenced by what is happening in the body. When the body perceives something as a “threat,” it automatically triggers the same alarm reaction, even if there is no real danger. By practicing mindfulness regularly, it is possible to gradually halt the negative effects of the reactivity cycle, learning to respond rather than react to stress. By focusing on the present and through awareness, it becomes easier to distinguish real stressors from imagined ones.
Benefits of Mindfulness Practice and Clay Therapy
Benefits of Mindfulness Practice:
1.Stress Reduction: Mindfulness helps to reduce stress by promoting relaxation and lowering the body’s stress response. It encourages a calm approach to challenges and helps in managing stress more effectively.
2.Improved Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness enhances the ability to recognize, accept, and manage emotions. This leads to better emotional stability and resilience.
3.Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Regular mindfulness practice improves attention span and cognitive performance by training the mind to stay present and resist distractions.
4.Better Mental Health: Mindfulness can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, fostering a more positive outlook on life.
5.Increased Self-Awareness: Mindfulness encourages a deeper understanding of oneself, leading to greater self-compassion and personal growth.
6.Improved Physical Health: It can contribute to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and enhanced overall physical well-being.
7.Enhanced Relationships: By fostering greater empathy and patience, mindfulness can improve communication and relationships with others.
Benefits of Clay Therapy:
1.Stress Relief: Working with clay can be a calming and meditative process, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
2.Creative Expression: Clay therapy provides a creative outlet for expressing emotions and thoughts, which can be therapeutic and fulfilling.
3.Enhanced Focus: Engaging with clay requires concentration and presence, which can help improve mindfulness and focus.
4.Improved Motor Skills: Manipulating clay involves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which can enhance dexterity and physical coordination.
5.Emotional Release: The tactile and hands-on nature of working with clay can facilitate emotional release and provide a non-verbal way to process feelings.
6.Mind-Body Connection: Clay therapy encourages mindfulness through the physical engagement with the material, fostering a deeper connection between the mind and body.
7.Increased Self-Esteem: Creating something tangible can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Both mindfulness practice and clay therapy offer valuable benefits for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Incorporating either or both practices into one’s routine can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
