Evidence from research suggests that mindfulness style meditation helps you relate to your thoughts and feelings in a non-judgemental and non-reactive fashion. This can bring you to a place where you are more able to observe how you are in the present moment with compassion, hold emotion better, and be less harshly critical of yourself, all of which is likely to promote better mental health.
Mindfulness style meditation originates from Buddhist teachings, often with a Western secular conception of ‘Mindfulness’ mixed in. In its simplest form it rests on concentration on the breath, while observing and accepting what arises from mind, emotions and body. As those thoughts, feelings and sensations arise you let them go and take the concentration back to the breath. Much harder than it sounds.
There is evidence that this type of practice improves relationships, as it helps us to become less reactive, feel more empathic and connected, and help us ‘be with’ rather than ‘fix’ other people. This means not just relationships with others, but our relationship with ourselves.
Counselling and Coaching also widen and deepen awareness, with the added benefit of the perspective of an experienced third party. Part of the benefit is uncovering patterns of behaviour and thought that are unconscious. This fits well with mindfulness and meditation practice, and together they make a good combination.
Any form of meditation generally calms and relaxes our often overheated minds and feelings. There are many resources that can help you learn how to meditate, but the most necessary resource is giving yourself time to practice. It can also be difficult to get started on your own. From Saturday 9th January, 2016, I will be running a meditation group near Hungerford and Marlborough. Email me if you’re interested in coming.
