Mindfulness

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” —Viktor Frankl Viktor Frankl’s wise words capture so much of the heart of mindfulness—SPACE. When we cultivate space in our lives, we step out of reactivity and gain the power to choose wiser and more discerning responses to the circumstances of our lives. And then, as Frankl so aptly observed, we are able to grow and feel more free. What is SPACE? When Frankl uses the word space, he is referring to mental …

Embrace Space Read More »

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? “I thought multitasking was bad for you!” “Isn’t multitasking the exact opposite of mindfulness?!” You’re probably reacting this way for good reason. Studies have shown when we try to focus on more than one thing at a time, it can cause a 40% drop in productivity. It can also lower your IQ by ten points, which can feel the same as losing a whole night of sleep! And if you use a cell phone or hands-free device while driving, it is comparable to having a blood alcohol level of .08%. Yikes! Multitasking certainly doesn’t …

Multitasking Is Good for You! Read More »

A few years ago, I took a ride with my family in a horse-drawn carriage through Central Park. If you have ever had this experience, you may have noticed the “blinders” the horses wear to cover a portion of their eyes. Blinders are small, square pieces of leather designed to block out some of the horse’s peripheral vision. They help the horse stay focused and not spook as easily, which supports their ability to safely navigate the pathways of the park. Much like the horses of Central Park, we put on “blinders” of our own in order to safely navigate …

Therapy as “Assisted” Mindfulness Read More »

There are three essential elements to the practice of mindfulness: Intention, attention, and attitude. INTENTION is WHY we practice. It’s what brought us to this practice and what keeps us practicing, it’s what is really important to us? Are we practicing to heal a physical or emotional wound, to reduce our stress, or simply for the joy and equanimity it brings to our lives? ATTENTION is WHAT we practice. What we are engaged in is paying attention to this very moment. We know that our mind will wander into thoughts of the past and future, that’s just what the mind …

Practicing Mindfulness: Intention, Attention, Attitude Read More »