How can we help ourselves when we’ve experienced a loss, or some kind of trauma, aside from or in addition to prescribed medication?
There are many research studies that indicate Mindfulness practices change our brain chemistry and helps considerably with trauma and depression.
What is Mindfulness? It’s the ability to stay connected and be aware of the present moment. The way we cultivate mindfulness is through meditation practices. This might not sound like something you want to make time for, however, if you take a moment to recognize the value it can bring, this may cause you to rethink the possibilities.
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According to the Harvard Business Review, developing a mindfulness practice actually increases our ability to self-regulate, meaning that we can consciously direct our attention and behavior and not act impulsively, often making decisions that don’t benefit us. It helps us to resist distractions and focus on what we are doing in the moment.
In the article on Mindfulness, click here to read, it points out that neuroscientists have researched how Mindfulness practices affect the areas of the brain that change perception, body awareness, pain tolerance, self-regulation, sense of self, complex thinking and self-reflection.
In thinking about the far reaching implications of this. Mindfulness meditation can help us to see things differently. When we change our perceptions, trauma resolution is possible, self-esteem can increase, and pain can be relieved. We can find more peace in our lives, even if the situation has not resolved itself.
The more we meditate, we find ourselves calmer, more at peace, and comfortable in our skin. Our thoughts slow down, we feel less anxious and depressed.
If you’d like to start a Mindfulness meditation practice please download my quick guide to help you learn how to meditate in the Mindfulness section of my website.
