We have slowly been introducing mindfulness into TLC.
It started with the Outpatient Clinic. The therapy groups now each have anywhere from five to 20 minutes of meditation. Most clients are positive about it.
Six months ago we began introducing mindfulness training into the Monday evening aftercare group. Most of the training consists of videos, supplemented with meditation sessions.
A few clients are using the training.
One client said he went to work yesterday morning thinking the day "would suck." It was over 100 degrees and he worked outside. Then he noticed and accepted his thoughts. His thinking changed and the day turned out okay.
Another reported that those around him notice a change in his demeanor, in his behavior. He attributes the change to paying more attention and being present.
Some had the idea before training started that maybe meditation was a way to relax. Or zone out.
But reality is that meditation teaches us to be present for the moments of our lives. To recognize and accept our thoughts: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
There are no goals in meditation other than to meditate. There's no bad or good meditation - it's all just meditation.
Thousands of studies do report positive benefits from meditation.
But again, the only goal is to meditate, not to seek a certain outcome - which can be counter-productive.
Click here to learn more about mindfulness meditation.
