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The Benefits Of Mindfulness Training

By Jerry Nelson


Most people have heard the term living in the now or living in the present moment. In most cases, this refers to the concept of Mindfulness Training. For, mindfulness is the psychological process which focuses on bringing attention to actions and experiences going on in the current moment in time.

While meditation is most often the tool used in mindfulness practices, there are also other training methods. The concept of the practice derived from sati, an ancient and significant aspect of Zen Buddhism and Tibetan meditation can often be found being practiced at Zen and yoga centers. Beginning in the 1970s, clinical psychology started adopting a number of applications related to the practice in relation to treating different psychological conditions.

In the 1970s, a group of clinical psychologists started using the practice to treat psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, alcohol and drug addiction. As a result, a number of senior citizen centers, veterans halls, prisons, hospitals and schools now incorporate meditation into exercise and other routines. Whether part of an ongoing monthly calendar event or, a special event, these meditative sessions have shown promise when it comes to weight management, athletic performance, healthy aging and other areas.

Clinical trials and studies have both shown mental and physical benefits of the practice in healthy adults, children and those whom are ill or injured. In addition, research studies have continuously shown positive results when it comes to the relationship between psychological health and mindfulness. One of the most interesting aspects of mindfulness is that the practice has been able to calm psychiatric disorders, including that of psychosis, which had previously been non-receptive to other forms of treatment.

Worry and rumination are other areas in which the practice has shown great promise. For, studies have also shown the practice having the ability to halt the development of ODD, ADD, ADHD and other behavioral issues when caught early. As such, studies and trials in this area are now underway to determine whether or not the practice may be able to prevent these conditions in the future.

In order to get the best benefits out of meditation and create a life of living in the now, it is important that individuals learn how to focus on actions and activities in the present moment. Whether using body scanning, breathing patterns and techniques or just sitting still and clearing the mind, individuals whom do so can often reach a mindful state.

By simply becoming aware of breathing patterns and rhythms, one is often placed into the present moment. Whereas, if using body scan techniques, meditation is focused on different areas of the body while noticing sensations in each area. Other techniques involve focusing on actions, feelings, thoughts, sensations and sounds which are present in the moment.

It is often recommended that newcomers to mindfulness and meditation begin with sessions of ten minutes or less per day. While this is the case, there are different types of meditation in which individuals attempt to clear the mind, contemplate and reflect on specific situations. Whereas, others prefer to sit outside in nature such as sitting by or in a creek, river or stream while allowing the sound of the running water to wash away any negative thoughts of experiences.




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