Mindfulness is a form of self-awareness training adapted from Buddhist mindfulness
meditation. It has been adapted for use in treatment of depression, especially preventing
relapse and for assisting with mood regulation.
It has been described as a state of being in the present, accepting things for what they are,
i.e. non-judgementally.
It was originally developed to assist with mood regulation and has been found to have considerable health benefits.
These exercises are designed to introduce the principles-
One Minute Exercise:
Sit in front of a clock or watch that you can use to time the passing of one
minute. Your task is to focus your entire attention on your breathing, and
nothing else, for the minute. Have a go - do it now.
Mindful Eating:
This involves sitting down at a table and eating a meal without engaging in any
other activities - no newspaper, book, TV, radio, music, or talking.
Now eat your meal paying full attention to which piece of food you select to eat,
how it looks, how it smells, how you cut the food, the muscles you use to raise
it to your mouth, the texture and taste of the food as you chew it slowly.
You may be amazed at how different food tastes when eaten in this way and
how filling a meal can be. It is also very good for the digestion.
Mindful Walking:
Here the same principle, while walking you concentrate on the feel of the
ground under your feet, your breathing while walking. Just observe what is
around you as you walk, staying IN THE PRESENT. Let your other thoughts
go, just look at the sky, the view, the other walkers; feel the wind, the
temperature on your skin; enjoy the moment.
