Mindfulness Exercises

New Video: Powerful mindfulness exercises and a three step self-awareness practice to help you soften and become free of an unruly, self-condemning super-ego.

The aim of this page is to share powerful mindfulness exercises I find especially useful in my Boulder psychotherapy and counseling practice.

You will also find free articles below, great resources on mindfulness based psychotherapy, and clinically relevant info on therapeutic applications of mindfulness.

As you may know, the mere act of watching your mind actually influences your behavior. That's how effective mindfulness exercises can be!

What does this mean for you?

It means you may no longer be dominated by emotional storms and destructive thought patterns. Other benefits of mindfulness practices I observe in my psychotherapy practice are...

An increased sense of inner acceptance and self-worth
A greater sense of freedom and ease with others
More confidence in intimate relationships
Diminished feelings of emptiness and loneliness

Demystifying Mindfulness Exercises...

A properly applied mindfulness exercise may gradually bring about an inner sense of joy and completeness. This is accompanied by an empowering shift in seeking happiness and fulfillment "out there," and instead, finding satisfaction within.

But what does that really mean, and how do you do that?

Let's start by demystifying the term "mindfulness." As you will see, it is actually one of the most ordinary practices you "do" all the time. Just maybe not very deliberately.

A general description of mindfulness is simply this: an intentional, nonjudgmental awareness of your inner, subjective experience; your thoughts, your feelings, sensations and your underlying motives behind actions.

Sound like meditation?

It is actually distinct from meditation in that it is something you can practice in ordinary, everyday life. Like meditation, mindfulness is central to most all the great eastern traditions, most notably Buddhism.

Mindfulness is also present, in varying forms, throughout contemplative, Christian traditions.

Most importantly...

You don't have to be Buddhist, mystical, or sit in meditation to apply mindfulness exercises to your life! The only prerequisites are...

A willingness to apply the practice
Courage to feel and experience what comes up
And, kindness for whatever you discover within yourself

This brings us to a central element of mindfulness:

Mindfulness exercises are a powerful means for removing the inner blocks to realizing your potential, or fulfilling your highest intentions. The value of the practice is that it lets you know when you're off course.

If your intention is to simply feel better, it might reveal inner obstacles to a sense of wellbeing - all the ways in which you are overly hard on yourself.

If your goal is to fulfill your potential in a certain area of life, it might reveal the hidden, unconscious influences that keep you feeling inhibited or stuck in the same pattern.

Articles

Mindfulness and Depression: A Deeper Look

Mindfulness Exercises for Removing the Obstacles to Fulfilling Your Potential

Mindfulness and Mental Health Resources

Center for Mindfulness: Well researched clinical trials and information on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Two prominent psychotherapeutic applications of mindfulness:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Based on the MBSR programs by John Kabat-Zinn.

<< Return to Home

Overcome self-criticism. Soften the super-ego. Enter your email below and receive full access to a powerful new video.

Follow me on Facebook...

[?] Subscribe To This Site