Three Things to Know About Mindfulness

Three Things to Know About Mindfulness

Dr. Darlene Treese, LPC, LMHC

“I’m pretty much done with mindfulness. I’m just going to start paying attention.”
-Gina Barreca

Have you noticed what’s at the top of best seller lists and at the checkout counter of most grocery stores?  It’s adult coloring books!  As we’ve become more focused on increasing productivity, multi-tasking and goal achievement, our minds and bodies have suffered from the constant fatigue, crankiness and feeling overwhelmed.

Becoming mindful is much more than coloring – but it is a good start to paying attention to the moment.  In addition to a daily meditation and mind clearing process, here are some Zen practices that you can easily bring into your day to achieve more happiness, contentment, focus, creativity, problem solving, well-being and yes – achievement.

  1.  Take your mind for a walk.  Mindfulness isn’t about what you’re doing but how you’re doing it.  Bring your attention to the present moment.  Notice that your body is breathing and air is flowing in and out without your demands that it happens.  Using all of your senses look around and take it all in – the colors, the textures, the scents, the sensations of a breeze against your skin and the smallest of sounds.

 When you focus your attention, you find that nothing that we judge as ordinary really is.  It’s not uncommon at times like this for your mind to wander and gain insights as you disengage from the need to control and make things happen your way.

  • Society tells us that you must be busy to be important and that more is always better.  Reality says something quite different.  A person who single tasks rather than switches back and forth between many things is less tired, more efficient and makes fewer errors.  There is no need to race against the clock when you’re free from distractions.

 If we compare ourselves to others and pursue more money just to buy more stuff, we find dissatisfaction with what we’ve just achieved.  There is always more that could be better – and our ego is never satisfied.  If we step back from that vicious cycle, we often notice with gratitude that we already have enough.  Our intuition can then guide us to pursue what’s really important to us rather than what will impress others.

  • Know that it’s OK to feel uncomfortable.  The fear of discomfort causes us to stay in old habits because it’s easier to remain in the known and predictable than try the unknown and unpredictable.  Start with little things and expand your comfort zone.  When you first try to do something uncomfortable, notice your resistance and be curious about it.  Watch your resistance to things and people that annoy you.

 Too often we stay stuck in our old ways and think we know how things and people should be.  Instead, let go of what you think you know.  When starting anything new, embrace the unknown with a sense of curiosity and be OK with not knowing. In this way, the fear of failing gives way to the joy of discovering an expanded life on the leading edge.

  And isn’t that where you really wanted to be!

Need to lighten up and let go of stress, tension, depression, fear and regrets?  Dr. Dar offers individual assistance to get and stay on track, overcome adversity and find your passion. She has been in private practice in hypnosis, coaching, counseling and consulting for over 30 years. Dr. Dar has been internationally acknowledged for her positive action and solution-based techniques with individuals, couples, groups and corporations. ​​​​​​​​​”A person for the people,” Dr. Dar is always available to help you get a grip on life, health and happiness to take that next step forward in creating the life you truly desire. She now offers telephone and email sessions to accommodate your busy schedule and allow you to do the sessions in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Office visits are also available two weekends per month.  These sessions fill very quickly so schedule your time slot today.
Life is too short to be unhappy and the answers and clarity you seek may be only a phone call or mouse click away.

Call Dr. Dar today at 407-278-1598 or email her at [email protected] or visit her website – www.AskDrTreese.com.              

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