Mindfulness, Meditation, and Integrative Relaxation

July 13, 2014 by

Peggy.meditationIt is easy to get lost in time dwelling on the past (what happened, what should have or could have happened) or worrying about the future (what’s going to happen).  When we get caught up in the past or future, we are not able to enjoy NOW.  We believe one key to living life joyfully is finding the delicate balance of mindfully staying present in the moment while also keeping the bigger picture in mind.

Mindfulness basically refers to the ability to stay present and aware of each moment without judgment, fear, regret, or anxiety.  Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction explains mindfulness as “Paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally, to the unfolding of experience, moment to moment.” Learning how to develop this skill can help us to self-regulate and appreciate the positive aspects within our lives from a lens of gratitude, thereby making it easier to deal with the inevitable obstacles.

Breathing is an important component to the skill of mindfulness.  Once we become aware of our breath, we learn that conscious slowing of the breath forces our heart rate to slow down and increases our ability to focus and cope. For many, yoga is a mindfulness practice, and laughter yoga also brings participants into a playful moment.  Research continues to demonstrate not only the physical benefits, but also its mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Sound therapy is another mindful training experience as the sense of sound is focused and energetic vibrations lead to further self-awareness. Other mindful based approaches include guided imagery or guided meditation. This helps quiet the mind with guided relaxation, imaginative, and self-awareness exercises.

Meditation teaches us to be present and to connect to the inner peace within. Although it is a component of many spiritual practices as a means of connecting to the creator or divine (including Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism), it often extends beyond that purpose. For many, meditation is not a spiritual or religious practice but rather helps train the mind to focus and release unnecessary thoughts, distractions, or discomforts. The beauty is that each individual can discover how it can be useful to them, mentally, emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually.

Integrative Relaxation (also known as Yoga Nidra) is a guided journey that takes you into deep levels of consciousness to release, renew, rejuvenate and reconnect with your true self.  Participants feel refreshed and empowered to tackle life’s challenges.  It is based on the teachings of world renowned Yogi Amrit Desai whose methodology takes you into the deepest space for restoration, rejuvenation, and well-being.  This powerful method for self-healing, de-stressing and balancing helps you discover the deepest levels of tranquility and peace.  Realize your highest potentials and learn to reconnect with your inner power to reveal balance, joy, and love.

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Filed Under: Breath, Depression, Integrative Wellness, Mental Wellness, Mindfulness, Spiritual Health, Stress/Anxiety
About Kimberly Rodgers, LCSW, RPT-S

Kimberly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor through the Association for Play Therapy. She also supervises clinical social work interns pursuing licensure. She has worked as a psychotherapist for twelve years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia and Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida.

Her experience includes foster care, adoption, youth shelter, youth related research, school-based counseling, and sexual assault crisis center settings prior to private practice. She specializes in counseling children, families, and adults struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment to life transitions. Kimberly is a current Board member of the Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida and former Vice-President of the Southwest Florida chapter of the Association for Play Therapy. She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers and EMDR International Association.

Kimberly is founder of Monarch Wellness (originally Monarch Therapy), an integrative center focused on empowering individuals and families through emotional and behavioral metamorphosis. In addition to counseling and play therapy, the center offers other supportive modalities to further enhance emotional healing and stress management including support groups, yoga, laughter yoga, breathwork, integrative relaxation, and sound therapy. Monarch Wellness' sister site eFitFamily.com offers health related information and inspiration for everyday families to live healthier every day. The center is also involved with House of Gaia community center and other community and service focused organizations. More information about Kimberly and her practice can be found online: www.MonarchWellness.net.

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