Like so many buzzwords that we hear, mindfulness is used a lot these days. Not only is it used in holistic communities or talking about mental health, but it is also thrown around a lot in casual conversation. However, do we really know what it means? What is mindfulness?
Definition of Mindfulness
To achieve a state of mindfulness, that means that we focus on something, often our breathing until we are able to clear our minds of memories and distractions, and simply be in the present moment. As we are in the moment, we simply notice and accept what is in that moment. Whether it be our breathing, the sensations of our bodies, or our thoughts and feelings within the present moment. It is a mental state of non-judgment where we can simply be, in the here and now.
Mindfulness is also often paired with yoga, providing the same mental state with the physical and mental exercise of yoga. Those of us who have achieved mindfulness know that it can be very peaceful, calming, and relaxing.
How Mindfulness Works
The beauty of mindfulness is that while it is considered a very peaceful and calming state, it is actually a very important and powerful exercise for our brains. In training our minds to focus on our breathing, to clear any distractions away, and simply be present we are actively exercising control over our minds. We are training the brain to do this one exercise, and then we will ask it to repeat it again.
As we continue to practice mindfulness, our mind is more flexible and able to reach a state of peace and calm more easily, similar to our muscles when we work out repetitively. Only, instead of becoming physically muscular, we are actually gaining more control over our own minds. This is such a powerful tool to have, it can help us in all areas of our life. We can have better control over how we react and respond in any situation.
Why Mindfulness Helps
Mindfulness becomes a tool for us to use whenever we need. Instead of reacting to a situation or being over-emotional, we can calmly have our minds take us to the non-judgmental place of mindfulness. In that state, our problems look very, very different. We can detach the emotions and see the problem for exactly what it is. We can reach solutions calmly and with confidence.
For many of us, staying calm and detached from emotions is something we have never done before. We may have always allowed our emotions to cloud our judgment and the resulting responses and behaviors. However, when we are present and calm, the resolution to a problem often looks very different. In that peaceful state, our reaction also looks very different, as well. This is a good different for us, and likely good for all of those in our lives.
How Mindfulness Helps in Recovery
Mindfulness is very helpful in recovery for many of the same reasons above. In the past, we may have gotten very emotional and maybe gone straight to our substances when presented with a problem. However, when we use mindfulness, the emotions are removed and we react very differently. We may not even think of substances as an option when we are in the present and non-judgmental. By staying calm and being mindful, the solutions are much simpler and clearer to us, and our response is more appropriate to the situation. We can still be strong and true to ourselves, we just do it from a place of strength and authenticity.
To that end, mindfulness is also an incredible tool for dealing with cravings. Something comes up, and there is a trigger for us. Previously, we would have inevitably bought into the trigger and found our substances. But now that we are practicing mindfulness, we can focus on our breathing and find that calm and present state. The trigger, which is usually emotional, does not have power over us when we are in that state. As we continue breathing and just noticing the sensations of our bodies while this is taking place, we are able to stay calm and not react.
There is even something called mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) which teaches us specifically to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, and pain by using mindfulness. It is yet another tool that we can gain in treatment to help us not only cope, but live healthier.
Can Mindfulness Work for Us?
As with so many new ideas and skills in treatment, mindfulness may not sound very exciting at first. However, it is such a powerful tool for us to have in recovery and in all of life. It is something we can do virtually any time, anywhere, whenever we need it. It helps us to center ourselves and be grounded in the present instead of overreacting or becoming overly emotional or doing something we might regret. Mindfulness can work for us as often as we choose to use it. The more committed we are to living in a peaceful, non-judgmental state, the more authentic and free our lives will be.
What is mindfulness? It is a powerful tool, disguised in a calm, simple exercise for our minds. At Rancho Milagro Recovery, we can teach you to develop mindfulness in your life and in your recovery. Call us today at (951) 526-4582 to unleash the power of mindfulness in your life.