What’s mindfulness?

Mindfulness involves judgement-free awareness of what you’re thinking and feeling as well as what’s going on around you. This practice aims to generate a greater understanding and acceptance of your thoughts and emotions as well as a deeper engagement with the present moment. Mindfulness is associated with increased equanimity, which is the ability to maintain a calm and balanced mind regardless of external factors. Mindfulness has been part of Eastern philosophy for millennia and was embraced by Western psychology in the 1970s as a treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, and other psychological issues. Together, we’ll workshop a mindfulness practice that meets your needs, whether it includes formal meditation or easy exercises that enable you to truly be where you are… wherever that may be!

Emotional pain without suffering

While emotionally painful experiences are an inevitable aspect of life, your response and attitude towards these experiences in part determine the degree to which you suffer. Through your mindfulness practice, you may discover the cravings, aversions, or misconceptions that increase your suffering. We’ll then experiment with new ideas and nuanced perspectives so you can aim to cultivate a greater sense of peace rooted in both acceptance and agency, regardless of your situation.

Compassion for self and others

“Metta” is an ancient Eastern philosophical concept that translates as “loving-kindness” or “compassion.” Compassion towards others underpins healthy relationships, promotes social connection, and produces a ripple effect that extends beyond its source. Meanwhile, compassion towards yourself fosters psychological well-being, emotional resilience, and acceptance of the situations that you’re unable to change. Together, we’ll strive to strengthen your bonds with others as well as with yourself. 

Going deeper

Mindfulness practices also lend themselves to deeper existential contemplation of what it means to be human and live in an interconnected world. If it resonates with you, then we can explore these topics so that you can further develop your own guiding philosophy. If you’re curious about mindfulness for chronic pain or illness, depression, anxiety, trauma, or another issue, then contact me using the form below or email me at sue@suebedfordpsychotherapy.com to book a free consultation. I’m looking forward to meeting you!