Living a Mindful Life!
I first began learning about mindfulness about a year and a half ago. I was immediately sold. Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can reduce anxiety, depression, irritability and frustration, as well as improve our relationships with others. One study compared morphine to mindfulness in treating chronic physical pain, and mindfulness was shown to be more effective! When looking at brain scans of the same individuals over time, after eight weeks of practicing mindfulness the scans of the same brains looked entirely different! How amazing! Mindfulness really changes how our minds work, how we function in life and our overall wellbeing. Now that you know what mindfulness can do for you, don’t you want to dive right in?!
So, what is mindfulness? Mindfulness can be defined as simply paying attention to the present moment without judgement or criticism. Through utilizing brain exercises, we help our minds become aware in a new way. We are so use to always doing. We are trained from a young age to problem solve, find solutions and work toward goals - which are all good and important. The problem begins when we get so caught up in the doing and forget about the being part. We lose touch with our ability to just be present, receptive and curious, without analyzing, criticizing and judging each moment or circumstance as it comes.
Mindfulness is often associated with Buddhism or other religious practices. The truth is that while many different faiths may incorporate mindfulness in some way, it is actually a psychological process. Mindfulness is also different from meditation. Many times meditation seeks to empty the mind, while mindfulness is doing the exact opposite. We are looking to actually fill our mind all that is truly present in each moment, including the thoughts, sounds, sights, smells, tastes and feelings. As Christians we know that God created our minds & bodies and therefore we can incorporate faith with the practice of mindfulness. When we know mindfulness is the nonjudgemental awareness of the present moment, Catholic mindfulness takes that a step further and allows us to grow in deep awareness of God’s presence here with us now in this moment.
My favorite source for all things mindfulness is Dr. Gregory Bottaro from the Catholic Psych Institute. I have learned so much from him and his work, books & courses. I want to share all of these blessings with you as well. Here are three opportunities for you to dive into mindfulness yourself and get started on this track toward a more peaceful life.
Download 9 free audio mindfulness exercises instantly right HERE. You can use these anywhere, anytime, and it won’t cost you a thing to begin living a more mindful life.
Enroll in the 8 week Catholic mindfulness course online! I went through this with my husband and couldn’t recommend it more. It is something life changing for any person who has the opportunity to receive these graces. Whether you feel like the healthiest & best version of yourself, or you feel at the lowest point in your life, I promise you will be grateful you took this step. Click HERE for 20% off your course, saving you $50!
If you are local in South Florida, register now for a journey toward mindful living through Lent. We will spend eight weeks learning about and incorporating mindfulness into our lives together. Early bird pricing available through February 12th, CONTACT me to register today!
