Mindfulness

[shoopadoop]

I've been recommended this as part of some CBT counselling but I wondered what others' experiences of it have been like. Did you get on with it? Did you use it for a while and then stop or do you keep going back to it? Has it benefited you?
I can't decide whether it's something I can get into or not. I've downloaded an app but I'm a bit meh about it. Also I can't work out when the best time of the day to do it is. I'm too frantic in the morning and I'm too tired at night, don't know when would be most beneficial really.
Thanks for any advice or just for hearing your thoughts.

It helped me to regain calm, and focus. I liked headspace, 10% Happier and Calm.

All for different reasons.

Just try and set aside 10 minutes - even if it is just before bed.

I don't find I need to use it so much now, but mentally, I am in a better place.

I got to a Buddhist meditation class once a week and I try to practice each day. I’m not very good at it but I find it beneficial.
Maybe have a look at some of the guided meditation apps. I give myself 15-30 mins each evening after DS is in bed and I’ve tidied and got ready for the next day.

Did a 3 month Mindfulness course when it was a relatively 'new' thing.

You don't have a set time to be mindful (unlike meditation) you can do it anywhere, listening to sounds smells and people around you, feelings you are having, the taste of food...etc.

Really helps to ground me and has helped my anxiety 100%.

Really interesting, thanks. I have some time to myself now so I just tried the next session but I was far too distracted to really get into it. I just don't know why I can't get it. Did you start off like that too? Do you do anything else before you do it or just go straight into it?

My first practice was this ...
mbsrtraining.com/mindfully-eating-a-raisin-exercise

It is a bit like mediation to start with, your mind is racing and chattering and questioning being in the moment, just let it all flow, if you are distracted accept that and carry on with your mindfulness! Takes a bit to get into but you can do it

I can't get on with it at all! It actually makes me feel edgy when I try to do it, which I think is defeating the purpose! I'm not good with anything slow and calm. I love reading but audio books drive me demented because they don't speak it as fast as I read so it feels all wrong. I'm not stressed or anxious at all though so I don't think I actually need mindfulness, but if I was I'd rather do other things to try and tackle it.

It's ok to let your mind wander. Just so long as when it does, you reign it back again

I really enjoy it. Your mind will wander but it’s ok, accept it and move on.

I do a minimum of 10 minutes a day and do it when I need it.

If using an app you do need a voice that ‘speaks to you’. Some I can’t connect with!

Forgot to say, I started with a mindfulness retreat which maybe helped. I wanted that feeling again.

Santasushi - a retreat sounds interesting. I agree about the voice, the guy on the one I'm using sounds ever so slightly sarcastic so I can't get past that!

sarcastic mindfulness