Mindfulness is all the buzz on TV, radio, and in books and magazines because of the booming research showing vast psychological and physiological health benefits..but what is Mindfulness and how does it relate to MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)?!?

The best definition we have of mindfulness is moment to moment, non-judgmental awareness of the present. mindfulness dates back over 2,000 years and is an essential part of Buddhism. However, the mindfulness movement began in the U.S. medical field in the early 1980's thanks to Jon Kabat-Zinn. He is responsible for creating Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction or MBSR. He began this practice by applying mindfulness meditation practices on patients who suffer from chronic pain and achieved remarkable results. The patients showed reductions in their self-reports of pain and improvements in sleep and quality of life. The research surrounding mindfulness has boomed since the 1980's and the benefits are widely documented in both the mental health and physical health realms. MBSR and mindfulness interventions have also become popular in psychotherapy as a way to help people overcome a variety of mental health difficulties.

The practice of mindfulness meditation relies shifting our focus from "thinking" or "worrying" to paying attention to the present, typically on something in our senses (feeling, seeing, hearing, smelling...etc). Focusing our attention on the present allows us to notice thoughts are temporary and they can pass. Having this detachment from out thoughts can be an important step forward for those who suffer from anxiety and depression.

It is also important to highlight that mindfulness meditation is NOT "clearing" the mind. This misconception about mindfulness can turn people away from the practice believing they are not doing it right because their mind produces a thought. Your mind will always drift into "thinking" mode while meditating. Mindfulness practice is repeatedly bringing your attention back to the present. This practice allows us to gain control of our mind as opposed to our anxious-over-thinking mind controlling us.

👋🏼Hey everyone!
My name is Dr. Justin Puder and I'm a licensed Psychologist living is beautiful South Florida. My passion is helping others better manage stress, reduce anxiety & depression, and improve relationships while living more mindfully.

For more information check-out my website at:
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