Smokron85 t1_ivrbpdc wrote
I still really don't understand what "mindfulness" really even is.
kellyk99 t1_ivrfvnd wrote
Mindfulness is basically like living in the moment. Intentional thinking and non-judgemental thinking.
In someone that is anxious let's say they are constantly thinking ahead/forward
"Omg I was so awkward today in class I'm such an idiot" ruminating on those thoughts is what anxious people do a lot
Or the opposite. "Omg no one at work likes me they think I'm an idiot and I don't wanna go back tomorrow, what will they think of me" thinking only ahead and worrying about what could happen.
Mindfulness exercises focus a lot on bodily sensations and observing breathing, thoughts and emotions to bring someone out of that peripheral thinking
(I'm a psychiatric nurse)
Leemage t1_ivs5mm0 wrote
I feel like if I was capable of doing that, then I wouldn’t have anxiety. Medication was the thing that allowed me to finally practice mindfulness.
montegue144 t1_ivsakxx wrote
I am similar and I think some people just need both.
Everyone's different <3
Be proud you got there! I'm still working on it myself.
Leemage t1_ivtec09 wrote
I hope you get there too! It’s amazing to me how much better I function.
Tyken12 t1_ivsfkg8 wrote
Ah no wonder i'm such a mess with my adhd, GAD, and depression
psyche77 t1_ivrfj9j wrote
>You have questions about mindfulness and meditation. Mindful has the answers.
BlackViperMWG t1_ivskxs4 wrote
I am unable to meditate. My ADHD-I and GAD and depressive mind just can't really focus or turn off the rest.
MegaChip97 t1_ixyi2vl wrote
> I am unable to meditate. My ADHD-I and GAD and depressive mind just can't really focus or turn off the rest.
Thats a false thinking. The "goal" of mindfulness training is not turning your mind off or focussing. It's like saying because you cannot lift lots of weights weightlifting is nothing for you.
Mindfulness is a metacognitive training. You train your metacognitive ability, e.g. noticing your cognitions, through doing exactly that. Meditation is boring. Your mind wanders off. You try to notice that and come back to your breathing. Again and again and again. Just like lifting weights is lifting them again and again and again.
A "still" mind is often a side effect of that, but it is not what you must achieve while meditating for it to be effective :)
BlackViperMWG t1_ixyrso3 wrote
Honestly it still sounds the same.
MegaChip97 t1_ixys10p wrote
Your mind having a hard time focussing is not a problem because the goal is not to have a focussed/clear mind. The goal is the training and that happens through losing focus and then coming back to the present moment. That just means your training is more intense. You not being able to focus is not a failure
BlackViperMWG t1_ixz14eb wrote
But what is the goal in that case?
MegaChip97 t1_ixz21s0 wrote
Improving your ability to notice your own thoughts, feelings and emotions, and coming back to the present moment when you are not there.
stillnessismedicine t1_ivuth7y wrote
I hear you...I think a lot of people have misconceptions about what meditation is. Meditation is not sitting there in stillness feeling at peace. If we could just will ourselves to do that, none of us would have any problems. Meditation is turning your awareness inward and noticing what is there without judgement. Paired with deep breathing, it is a deeply therapeutic practice that cultivates self-awareness and self-compassion and with time with regular practice will lead to a greater sense of mindfulness and calm. Meditating is not easy, particularly when it is new for you and you have a lot of energy in your body or thoughts racing through your mind. Start with very short meditations. Do 1 min. And then 2. And then 5. Slowly build your ability to sit over time. It's kinda like working out, you can't expect to jump in and be in shape. You have to put some work in first. Anyway, I hope this is helpful, and hope you find what you need whatever that may be.
MephIol t1_iy00dht wrote
Hey I’m both as well - DSM 5 validated. When I’m consistent, it’s the best activity I’ve found to alleviate both, even over adderall. Exercise and meditation lead to consistent sleep and a very positive mindset.
No joke it changed my life twenty years ago from addiction and being kicked out of college. Very successful now all thanks to a Tibetan lama and a lot of regular mediation.
Read up if you don’t believe but it’s literally the best treatment for both of our conditions. CBT and DBT therapies are very similar but don’t achieve what mindfulness can. LMK what questions you have
[deleted] t1_ivrg1yx wrote
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yusquera t1_ivrd85y wrote
Im guessing it's the Buddhist practice of "just observing" which I believe is sitting meditation but ya I could be wrong and it is confusing.
[deleted] t1_ivry8fm wrote
I'm a citizen artist who specialized in improvisation.
I'd argue for an expanded definition of mindfulness that includes practices which enhance one's sense of "presence in the moment" like others have said. Some people call it creative flow. Others just call it plain 'ole flow. Athletes find it. Chefs find it. I'm sure many other professionals across fields find it. It can be found in good conversation or nature too.
In my world, presence/mindfulness means being able to appreciate the details in the moment of the world around me AND not losing my sense of self but maintaining it simultaneously. I didn't come by this through meditation, but through artmaking.
There are countless ways to cultivate one's ability to be present in the moment. :)
True-Canis-Majoris t1_ivshtxq wrote
I totally agree, making art is a form of meditation, getting in a flow state. Sometimes it is simply achievable by petting your dog/cat.
[deleted] t1_ivt1spm wrote
Right on friend! Thanks!
-downtone_ t1_ivs2dhn wrote
I'll give my interpretation. It's being aware of your emotions and understanding their origin. Which gives a pause of reaction in those moments. Gives time to put it through a logic filter and give a more reasoned response. Where without those mindful moments, you may respond in hair across ass mode or similar.
dadaesque t1_ivrpe8d wrote
There’s no single definition or conception of mindfulness. It’s meaning and use can vary pretty considerably, but the description from Mindful linked here is probably the most relevant to the study, as it’s from Jon Kabat-Zinn who developed the MBSR protocol and is largely responsible for bringing mindfulness practices into western medicine
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