What is Mindfulness?
Coming from a long tradition via Eastern world philosophies, mindfulness might make you think of meditation but its not just that!​
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Mindfulness is a way of looking at life
"The awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally."
Adapted for modern western use by Jon Kabat Zinn, mindfulness is now a well established support for the treatment of a wide variety of mental health conditions, from depression, anxiety, PTSD to addiction.
How can it help?
Practicing mindfulness means we focus our awareness on the present moment
without judgement.
Applying the attitudes of mindfulness can transform how we recognise and also respond to situations, circumstances and thought processes.
Mindfulness gives us back the ability of choice and the power to respond
instead of reacting.
Mindfulness practice strengthens the parts of your brain that are related to
self regulation of our thoughts and behaviours.
Studies have widely shown that implementing a mindfulness practice has assisted in substance abuse treatment the world over.
Mindfulness practice is proven to greatly assist with relapse prevention which is key in sustaining long term recovery.
Mindfulness is such a useable approach that it can be used alongside many other programmes, including the AA twelve steps.
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Alcohol is often used as a means of avoiding painful emotions, social anxiety, physical pain and intrusive thoughts.
Over time what at first was a crutch becomes an addiction.
Engaging with mindfulness means you are training yourself to accept what you're experiencing rather than trying to escape it.
Accepting our experiences, we learn that they are temporary and we can tolerate them just like a trigger or craving.
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If we want a successful alcohol free life, learning to relax is a crucial skill.
When we can relax we can:
Reduce stress
Pain
Anxiety
Cravings
Physical harm
Sadly, most of us are not aware when stress begins to creep in.
Practicing mindfulness as a daily routine you will discover
two major benefits:
You will be giving yourself a few minutes break from the daily grind.
You become more aware of what's going on in both body and mind, you will become aware of any tension creeping up on you.
This becomes an important tool for managing stress, anxiety and cravings.
Meet Helen
Helen is a Hypnotherapist & Mindfulness Teacher,
with a special interest in Addiction & Recovery for sobriety
She holds a diploma in psychology and counselling, and is also a menopause coach!
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Working alongside Ellen, she provides support to the Sobriety Sisterhood community with mindfulness coaching.
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Helen is a true sober example, having given up alcohol in 1997, and has never looked back! She credits a mindful way of life to her success.
