Mindfulness is something that everyone can incorporate into daily life.  Mindfulness involves observing and accepting the things around and within us, without judgment.  In therapy, Johanna may involve mindfulness skills to build awareness of various issues and to develop coping strategies.  Johanna also runs a mindfulness group – call the office if you’d like to sign up!  The exercise below is not individualized to your needs as it may be in therapy, but is rather intended as a general exercise that you may find useful.

August’s Mindfulness Exercise:

Set a timer or an alarm for three minutes.  Start by taking three deep breaths, noticing how it feels to breathe in and out.  Next, bring your attention to your thoughts.  Just as you might notice clouds in the sky drifting past, I want you to notice your thoughts as they drift past.  Some might hang out up there, some might threaten with an impending storm, and others may drift quickly by.  What thoughts come up for you?  Without judging them as good or bad, just notice what thoughts are there.  If you find yourself drifting away WITH the thoughts, come back to your breath.  Do this until your alarm sounds and then expand your awareness to your surroundings.

NOTE: This is not intended to replace therapy.  Please contact Johanna at (585)406-3012 if you are interested in individual or group therapy.