Where to Start with Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is all the buzz in Los Angeles, California. You've likely heard about potential benefits for stress, anxiety, depression, and relationships.
You might want to jump on the mindfulness bandwagon and feel like you're getting it "right." But, perhaps you’ve already had some type of encounter with mindfulness that has left you thinking “I can’t do it” or “my mind is too busy.” The road to more peace using mindfulness can certainly feel rocky. Because there can be some good benefits to sticking with a mindfulness practice - like better management of anxiety or depression, increased happiness, and a better relationship with yourself - you might be considering giving it (another) go! So, where might you start with mindfulness?
1. Set an Intention
Before setting down the mindfulness road, it may be helpful to consider - Why do this?
What comes to mind may be wanting to feel less anxious or to improve your mood. Okay - and WHY might those things be important? To have better relationships? To spend more time on enjoyable activities? Keep digging with the “whys” and contemplate the true meaning behind the initial intention.
2. Set the Stage
A mindfulness practice can be a part of the day that you truly look forward to – a refuge. Make it a nice place to visit!
This doesn’t mean it has to be fancy. Consider some of these questions to help create a sacred space:
What time of day will you practice?
Where will you practice?
How will you make yourself comfortable? (blanket, comfy clothes, a pillow..)
Do you want a small alter? (candle, crystals, journal...)
What tools may help you practice (an app perhaps?)
What is getting in the way of your practice that can be removed (maybe a work computer?)
Creating the right space is an experiment! Try different things and simply see how they go. If something is not the right fit, consider mixing it up. This is your practice. Make it enjoyable for you.
3. Be Curious and Friendly
Because the road to a rewarding mindfulness practice may feel rocky at times, it can be especially important to be curious and friendly while the road is traveled.
Mindful curiosity is the practice of discerning among experiences in a nonjudgemental, open way. For example, during a practice someone may notice, “there is tightness in my chest.... I feel some tingling in my hands..... my thoughts are extra fast today.” As these types of things may be noticed, consider how a detective may discover this experience - with curiosity, exploration, and without efforts to change the experience.
This can be hard! That is why being friendly with yourself is often key. As mindfulness is practiced over time, the mind will wander. You may think about your to-do list or what you’re going to eat for dinner. That’s all okay. The nicer you are to yourself while you practice mindfulness, the more likely you are to keep practicing and hopefully begin reaping the benefits. When the mind wanders, we can practice gently redirecting our attention back to the breath or another anchor, such as the hands or feet.
4. Be Consistent
Being friendly to yourself so that you’re more likely to keep practicing can be especially important when we consider how important consistency is to developing a mindfulness practice.
Mindfulness likes commitment.
This doesn’t mean that you have to start practicing for 45 minutes a day. Consider starting somewhere that is within reach – like 5 minutes. Let’s think - is there somewhere in your day where you can sacrifice 5 minutes? Perhaps social media scrolling? Consider your intention about why you may want to start and perhaps that can help motivate you here.
4. Feel It
This practice is for YOU.
Settle into your space, your practice, and take the opportunity for what it can be – time that you are intentionally setting aside for yourself – that is amazing! Be kind, be loving, be your friend in this space. Learn more about mindfulness therapy here.
Learn More at Grow True Psychology.
Disclaimer: Please note that visiting this website does not constitute a doctor-client therapeutic relationship. The information and resources included or linked on this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to assess, diagnose, or treat any medical and/or mental health disease or condition. The information obtained from this site should not be considered a substitute for a thorough medical and/or mental health evaluation by an appropriately credentialed and licensed professional. I do not know the specifics of your situation or have the facts to provide this type of evaluation and recommend that you seek an appropriately credentialed and licensed professional to establish a doctor-client therapeutic relationship. Lastly, this website includes links to other websites for informational and reference purposes only. This website does not endorse, warrant or guarantee the products, services or information described or offered at these other websites. Finally, please seek an appropriately credentialed and licensed professional prior to attempting mindfulness if you have a trauma history.
