Using mindfulness to manage anxiety
years ago but modern research in clinics and universities around the world is now supporting the use of mindfulness to heal the mind and reduce suffering. It is interesting to note that many problems that people experienced around the time of the Buddha are very similar to ones experienced by people today.
So what is mindfulness? Mindfulness is best described as knowing what is happening, while it is happening, no matter it is. Knowing here is not intellectual knowing (although this is initially useful) but rather a direct an immediate experience of whatever is being presented. It is getting close and personal to all experiences, cultivating the capacity to be intimate with all that may be thrown our way in life.
In the instance of excessive thinking, mindfulness is able to slow down the chasing after the bone experience and calm the mind. As we become lessflooded by thoughts, we see more clearly and act with more wisdom. In the words of one of my teachers, “We miss the real
through lack of attention and create the unreal through excessive imagination.” So why not give mindfulness a go?
Dale Martin is a psychologist based on the Sunshine Coast with 30 years of clinical experience. His main orientation is Buddhist Psychotherapy and Attachment Psychotherapy. For more information visit: www.dalemartin.com.au
Healthy and Loving It! By Paula West
Do you have health issues which are still unresolved after treatment? Why? Have you tried several options with limited success? What have you lost?...a lot of money & time and still not on the path to recovery!
Several people have come to me with this common story. What they have gained is only short term relief! If you are looking for a serious solution which has a proven track record, then consider a reliable approach. You can improve your health and wellbeing for the long term with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Some common conditions:
• Tired & fatigued before you start the day.
• Gluten intolerant or Coeliac.
• Skin rashes, Hay fever.
• Broken & restless sleep.
• Feeling unhappy & indecisive
Look forward to good health the natural way with Chinese herbal tonics which have been successfully used by the worlds’ largest population for thousands of years!
Paula West is a qualified Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioner, Acupuncturist and Herbalist.
Health fund rebates. Ph: 5499 9228. 26 Coral St, Maleny
In my psychology practice I encounter numerous people presenting with anxiety and associated symptoms, one of which is excessive thinking or ruminating. In lexicon of Buddhism this is often termed monkey mind or papanca (mental proliferations) and commonly described as ‘a dog chasing a bone’. In other words, there is a tendency to chase every thought, like a dog chasing a bone, no matter what it is, often to the point of extreme distraction, frustration and distress. This experience and ‘practice’ is also often called cognitive hyperactivity.
In paraphrasing some essential features of the Discourse on Mindfulness the Buddha states that if you want overcome all pain, sorrow, distress, fear, all stress, anxiety and disappointments, you should practice mindfulness. This is an extraordinary claim made some 2500years ago but modern research in clinics and universities around the world is now supporting the use of mindfulness to heal the mind and reduce suffering. It is interesting to note that many problems that people experienced around the time of the Buddha are very similar to ones experienced by people today.
So what is mindfulness? Mindfulness is best described as knowing what is happening, while it is happening, no matter it is. Knowing here is not intellectual knowing (although this is initially useful) but rather a direct an immediate experience of whatever is being presented. It is getting close and personal to all experiences, cultivating the capacity to be intimate with all that may be thrown our way in life.
In the instance of excessive thinking, mindfulness is able to slow down the chasing after the bone experience and calm the mind. As we become lessflooded by thoughts, we see more clearly and act with more wisdom. In the words of one of my teachers, “We miss the real
through lack of attention and create the unreal through excessive imagination.” So why not give mindfulness a go?
Dale Martin is a psychologist based on the Sunshine Coast with 30 years of clinical experience. His main orientation is Buddhist Psychotherapy and Attachment Psychotherapy. For more information visit: www.dalemartin.com.au
Healthy and Loving It! By Paula West
Do you have health issues which are still unresolved after treatment? Why? Have you tried several options with limited success? What have you lost?...a lot of money & time and still not on the path to recovery!
Several people have come to me with this common story. What they have gained is only short term relief! If you are looking for a serious solution which has a proven track record, then consider a reliable approach. You can improve your health and wellbeing for the long term with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Some common conditions:
• Tired & fatigued before you start the day.
• Gluten intolerant or Coeliac.
• Skin rashes, Hay fever.
• Broken & restless sleep.
• Feeling unhappy & indecisive
Look forward to good health the natural way with Chinese herbal tonics which have been successfully used by the worlds’ largest population for thousands of years!
Case Study:
Sarah was told she was Gluten Intolerant and
followed a restricted diet. After a consultation
with me, she took herbal tonics for a time.
Now, she enjoys a normal diet including wheat
products, and she is no longer embarrassed
and limited when dining out.
Sarah was told she was Gluten Intolerant and
followed a restricted diet. After a consultation
with me, she took herbal tonics for a time.
Now, she enjoys a normal diet including wheat
products, and she is no longer embarrassed
and limited when dining out.
Paula West is a qualified Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioner, Acupuncturist and Herbalist.
Health fund rebates. Ph: 5499 9228. 26 Coral St, Maleny
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