Mindfulness is a way of thinking about things. The technique is found in many cultures and religious traditions, but is most widely associated with its place in Buddhist meditative tradition. Learning and using the technique has nothing to do with practicing Buddhism or adopting Buddhist philosophy. Quite simply, it involves noticing your thoughts in the present moment and without judgment.
 
As you become increasingly aware of your thoughts and how they change from moment to moment, you begin to notice the relationship of your thoughts to your mood and behaviors. You also may notice the role of your thoughts in the ebb and flow of your personal suffering, and find that by accepting those thoughts rather than hanging on to them or pushing them away you find your place of balance. By intentionally avoiding labeling thoughts as "good or bad" and meeting distressing thoughts with patience and openness, you can break patterns of reactivity that are crucial to the process of change.
 
 One of the ways that we cultivate mindfulness is through bringing attention to the breath. Mindfulness-oriented psychotherapy involves teaching skills such as breath awareness, guided imagery, mindful walking, and other ways of regulating attention.
 
 During the past 20 years scientists have increasingly studied the effects of using mindfulness techniques on the brain. These studies suggest that we can, in fact, change the way our brains function by the way that we think.

Mindfulness, or moment to moment non-judgmental awareness, is nothing less than a way to connect with a deep sense of comfort, balance, insight, and freedom within our own lives, both physically and emotionally.

                                       ~~Jon Kabat-Zinn

Kay Smith JD LCSW ~~1900 Northwest Expressway, Suite 860, Oklahoma City, OK 73118
405.830.1828 ~~ [email protected]m​