Mindfulness is a way of being or a practice of awareness, not a technique.
Mindfulness and mental health
Research shows that mindfulness helps with stress, anxiety, depression and rumination and maybe other mental health issues. It also allows space to open up for greater imagination and creativity.
Interestingly, it allows us to realise we are not our thoughts. We are only the thinker of out thoughts. And then also that not all thoughts are true. If we realise both these things, we can separate ourselves from negative thoughts that are dragging us into a bad mental place. (This is not the main aim, but it is one of the results.)
You might also want to look at my post on the usefulness of meditation in therapy. But most people find that mindfulness is an easier place to start. Indeed it can be thought of as one of the easier forms of meditation. It is one that you can do all day, every day.
Mindfulness resources
Unsurprisingly, clients often ask me for for easy-to-use or starter resources on mindfulness. I learnt about it in a non-therapy context and am certainly no expert. But here is what some other people have suggested.
Famous mindfulness teachers
The two teachers mentioned below are probably the most famous of all. They have given the world numerous publications and resources.
Jon Kabat-Zinn
You could read or watch pretty much anything by JKZ as he is usually very clear. Try for example, this video explaining what mindfulness is (5 minutes)
Thich Nhat Hanh
Anything by Thich Nhat Hanh (books, videos, etc) e.g. this video which serves as a brief introduction but in different terms to Jon Kabat-Zinn (4 minutes).
Online resources
Other therapists and clients have recommended the following online resources to me.
The Free Mindfulness Project
Scroll down the web page a little for mindfulness breathing exercises and body scans:
http://www.freemindfulness.org/download
Mind
Here’s is Mind’s information on mindfulness, It includes how to practice mindfulness and and how it can help with mental health problems.
Mindful.org (a commercial resource)
This is a subscription service with a few free starter resources. (I am no endorsing or endorsed by whichever company is behind it. I have connection with them.) Here is a web page which includes: ‘The Basics of Mindfulness Practice’ (You need to scroll down the web page a little!)
Every Mind Matters
Mindful Breathing Exercise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfDTp2GogaQ&app=desktop
NHS
Here is a link to NHS general information on how mindfulness including its usefulness in dealing with stress, anxiety and depression.
Sunflower photo by Maria Savchenko.