Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques arose from various spiritual traditions including yoga and buddishm. In the modern era, there has been significant research which has shown that training the mind in this way, can be effective in the treatment of many different psychological conditions. These techniques can include breathing exercises, pranayama, body work, sitting meditation, relaxation tehniques, and yoga nidra. 

This work can be helpful because it allows us to take a break from our active mind and to potentially develop some space around our reactive thoughts and emotions. Breathing exercises work with the vagus nerve, to calm our nervous systems, connecting the mind and the body. Meditation and yoga nidra, help us to develop awareness and to cultivate an observing mind, who is less identified with our daily struggles. Body work and yoga can help us to let go of tension related to fear and stress in our physical body. Mindfulness techniques can be one part of a successful therapeutic process, by helping us to integrate our emotional learning with our mind/body systems.