Mindfulness and it’s purpose in everyday life

Often in the therapy room I remind my clients to re-focus on the here and now and bring themselves back into the room. Often people spend most of their thinking time considering other people around them, trying to guess what others need, think and feel.

What is the function of the therapy room as a physical space in therapy?  If it works well the room should literally create a vacuum and empty space that is so clear of clutter that the therapy becomes like a light of beam shining on the individual, who is in therapy.

In everyday life however people have responsibilities for other people, dependants, children, elderly relatives and partners. In addition practical demands, work, maintaining living standards, maintaining physical health, buying and preparing food and so on it’s inevitable that the state of mind gets pushed to the back of the list and more likely not looked at for a long time.

Incorporate the ‘here and now’ mindfulness into everyday life is not as hard as it sounds. Let’s take for example 10 minutes in a person’s life when they are alone, maybe walking outside, maybe sitting on public transport, maybe lying on a sofa or in bed. This is an opportunity to tune in to the body’s need to stop and slow down. Once the body is comfortable and free of stimulations (pain, caffeine, alcohol, electronic devices, screen light) the mind can be let wonder freely and the thought are allowed to come and go. Acknowledge the thoughts  as little, gentle messages from your unconscious or from your inner child.  Once you are feel the time is up - put those messages away as kind gifts to yourself, don’t be afraid of them. If they feel too overwhelming record them, physically store them away until your next therapy session.  The website below is professional and useful to start with. 

https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness