http://2wellbeing.org/blog/index.php Copyright 2010, Jerome Freedman, Ph. D. Jerome Freedman, Ph. D. en-US SPHPBLOG 0.5.1 http://2wellbeing.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090717-220449 Mindfulness

As the name implies, mindfulness in healing is the application of mindfulness practices in the path 2 well being. Mindfulness, as defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn, is "paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, as if our life depended upon it, and nonjudgmentally." Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh refers to it as "the miracle of mindfulness."

When we are mindful, we know what we are experiencing in or body, feelings, mind and the contents of the mind. When we pay attention to what is going on in our body, we recognize the life force pulsating throughout our whole being. We recognize the miracle of being alive, which we usually take for granted. But the miracle is still here, nonetheless. At any moment, we can become aware of our breathing, whether at our nostrils, in our chest, or in our belly. When we do so, we return to the present moment. When we feel our heart beating in our chest or notice our pulse in our feet, legs, torso, arms, or head, we return to the present moment. When we are out in nature and notice the green leaves, flowers, birds, insects, rocks, yes, and even dog doo, we can return to the present moment.

Our feelings are also gateways to being present. Most of the time, we spend a lot of energy avoiding our feelings by watching TV, eating when we are not hungry, going shopping, or simply denying them. However, if we can experience our feelings in our feelings, they too, can be a doorway to being mindful in the present moment.

Our thoughts consist of images, impulses, feelings, memories, judgments plans, worries and self-talk. We also have moments of creativity and insight when we are concentrated on something we love or experience awe at a truly wonderful sight in nature. Our thoughts can get the best of us as they circuit around through our brain. However, with mindfulness, we can bring our mind back to our breath or our body and return to the present moment.

Healing

Healing is the process of regenerating a sense of wellbeing in our bodies, feelings, and mind. For most people in Western countries, healing is caused by some outside agent - a doctor, surgery, medication, or some other process that is outside of our control. However, many studies have shown that active participation in one's own healing experience can expedite recovery not only in terms of feelings of wellbeing, but also in terms of time.

The primary purpose of Mindfulness in Healing, this web site, and the well being support group is to inspire us to take charge of our own healing. This means investigating the causes and conditions that lead to ill being by reading articles, web sites, books, and magazines; discussions with knowledgeable people; and explorations of alternative, collaborative, and complementary practices that can augment our "path 2 wellbeing".

Mindfulness Practices

When one thinks of mindfulness practices, the first thing that comes to mind is sitting meditation. However, this is only one of many mindfulness practices that one can engage in.
[to be continued...]]]> http://2wellbeing.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090717-220449 Jerome Freedman, Ph. D. Sat, 18 Jul 2009 04:04:49 GMT http://2wellbeing.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=07&entry=entry090717-220449