I have been doing a lot of studying around the theory that mindfulness can rid the body of depression and anxiety. Thus far I have concluded that this could be a very valuable piece of information to share.
Many of my interventions that I use with clients suffering from anxiety and depression are past and future oriented. We discuss the thought patterns, where the constructs originated, how to calm the mind and body, yet I tend to miss the present moment. Currently, I am wrapping up a book called, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. First and foremost I encourage everyone to read this book and then reread it. The message is loud and clear: If we can be still and free this moment of our mind, then we can escape the feelings of depression or anxiousness.
How this works is simple, if you’re in the present moment and are able to shut off your mind, you’re unable to be depressed or anxious because there is nothing to be sad or worry about in the present. This is demonstrated in the book by taking a pause and getting into the moment that you exist in. Just take a couple minutes out of your day (or break) right now and focus on what your body is experiencing.
As many meditation gurus out there, I not being one of them, will instruct you to focus your attention on your chest. Feel how alive it becomes when you take time to experience the energy coming from your ‘center.’ This can be taken to each body part: arms, legs, stomach, and chest.
It feels amazing right!?
What I have found in reading this book and practicing mindfulness in 2015 is that the more I do it the longer I can stay in the moment. At first it was a fleeting couple seconds before a thought entered and now I can go almost a minute and a half. Which to most seems like peanuts but when you actually notice how much you think (about nothing) those 90 seconds are a big deal.
Today, I am not trying to change your opinion about depression or anxiety or convince you to move to a buddhist temple. All I want to do is share a nugget of knowledge and encourage each and everyone one of you to do it differently today and take a few minutes to pause, be still, and breath in the moment.
Because if this is all we have…why would you want to miss it?