Mindfulness for stress — Mindfulness Based Counseling

In our fast-paced world filled with constant distractions and stressors, it can be challenging to stay present and focused in the moment. It's easy to get caught up in worries about the future, regrets about the past or simply to let our minds wander off to anything and everything except for what is happening right in front of us.

In the midst of this, there is a powerful idea that has gained popularity over the past several decades: "Be here now." This simple phrase encapsulates the idea that the present moment is all we have, and that we should focus our attention and energy on being fully present in the here and now. I don’t know about you but I’ve never been to the future or the past- but the present moment is always right where I am.

At its core, the concept of "Be here now" is about mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment without judgment. It involves being fully engaged with our current experience, whether that's watching a sunset, having a conversation, driving in traffic or noticing the various physical sensations in our body.

One of the benefits of mindfulness is that it can help us to reduce stress and anxiety. I like to think of mindfulness as natural anxiety medication. When we're focused on the present moment, we're not worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. We're simply experiencing what is happening right now. That’s it. This can be incredibly calming and grounding, especially in moments where we feel overwhelmed or anxious.

In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness can also help us to be more productive and effective in our daily lives. When we're focused on the present moment, we're less likely to be distracted by other things. We're able to fully engage with the task at hand, whether that's work, driving, learning or engaging in a hobby.

Of course, being present in the moment is easier said than done. Our minds are wired to constantly search for new experiences and stimulation, and it can be difficult to resist the urge to check our phones, scroll through social media or think about anything other than what's happening right now.

But mindfulness is a skill that can be developed with practice. There are many different techniques and exercises that can help us to cultivate mindfulness, from simply becoming aware of your breathing when you are walking, showering, working or driving to more structured meditations. Whatever method you choose, the key is to make a commitment to being present in the moment and to intentionally direct your attention to what's happening right here and right now. Can you feel your foot on the ground?

The idea of "Be here now" is one that I have found helpful ever since reading Ram Dass’s book by the same title. It is a simple but powerful concept that can help us to live more fulfilling and mindful lives. By focusing our attention on the present moment and intentionally practicing mindfulness, we can reduce stress, improve productivity, combat anxiety and depression and bring a sense of mental health to our lives.

Living in a drama-filled society can be exhausting and draining for anyone. It's no secret that drama often causes unnecessary stress, anxiety, and confusion, and it can be difficult to escape. However, there are a few steps you can take to remove yourself from the drama and create a more peaceful, stress-free life.

1. Identify the sources of drama:

The first step in escaping the drama of your society is to identify its sources. It may be certain friends, family members, or co-workers who create drama. Alternatively, it could be social media or news outlets that stir up emotions and create angst. Once you identify the causes of drama, it will be easier to avoid them and reduce their impact on your life.

2. Limit your exposure to drama:

Now that you've identified the sources of drama, take steps to limit your exposure to them. For example, if you have friends who constantly involve themselves in gossip and drama, you may need to distance yourself from them or set boundaries. Similarly, if social media causes negative emotions or triggers drama, take a break from those platforms.

3. Surround yourself with positivity:

To counteract the negativity and drama of your society, focus on surrounding yourself with positive people who bring you joy and make you feel good about yourself. This may mean finding new friends who share your values and interests or making time for self-care activities that boost your mood.

4. Practice mindfulness and self-care:

Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety. Self-care activities like taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, or going for a walk can also help reduce the impact of drama on your life.

5. Focus on what you can control:

Remember that while you can't control the drama in your society, you can control your reactions to it. Focus on the things you can control, such as how much time and energy you devote to drama, and let go of things you cannot control. By taking ownership of your own life, you'll reduce the impact of drama and create a more peaceful, fulfilling existence.

Escaping the drama of society takes effort, discipline and diligence, but it's worth it to create a more fulfilling and stress-free life. By identifying the sources of drama, limiting your exposure to them, surrounding yourself with positivity, practicing mindfulness and self-care, and focusing on what you can control, you can escape the drama and create a life that's full of peace, insight, creativity and well-being. Even in a society filled with transitory drama.