Mindfulness

What is mindfulness and how can it help with stress?

I thought it would be fun (and helpful) to change this up a bit. I have had a lot of time to think about this - I got the flu shot

last week and then ended up with the flu. And speaking of stress, it is time for my mammogram and that creates a lot of stress for me. I may be a Certified Cancer Coach, but that doesn't make me immune to fear and stress. I am a two-time cancer survivor...

Developing Life Habits

Simply, mindfulness is the habits of living in the present. Many people turn to these practices to reduce stress, bring more happiness into their lives, or deal with a health issue or traumatic life event. By the way, doing this does not require any special talent. You don't have to be spiritual or embrace religion or philosophy; all that is required is your mind.

Training Your Mind

An untrained mind can cause unhappiness and a trained mind helps you focus and direct your mind in a more healthy, positive way. Learning to live in the present moment is the key. Think about it, that's all we really have in life. "The past is history, and tomorrow is a mystery." I know I used to concentrate on either the past or the future, rarely on the present, especially when I was diagnosed with cancer.

Staying in the Present

“We spend a lot of time worrying about things that never actually happen”

Pleasant past memories can cause unhappiness, especially if those memories are no longer part of your life. You may resent the absence. Thoughts of the future are a frequent source of anxiety. We spend a lot of time worrying about things that never actually happen, playing and replaying scenarios on the movie screens of our minds.

It's not that we should never focus on the past or the future. There are times when it is beneficial to reflect on the past and to plan for what may lie ahead.

I would like to get your feedback on this topic before I continue. There is a lot of information on mindfulness and quite a bit that can help in dealing with cancer.