A Moment of Mindfulness

Hello Everyone,

It is with great pleasure, honor and humility to have the opportunity for sharing this first ever “A Moment of Mindfulness” monthly mailer with you. The goal of the monthly mailer is to capture and share an predominant experience that happened to me throughout the month where I tap into utilizing Mindfulness skills as a method for more effectively managing my thoughts, emotions, feelings and physical sensations appearing and disappearing on a moment to moment basis. In particular, I will outline how the practice allows for me to enhance the pleasure of a situation, while at the same time minimize any potential suffering. For the first blog, I thought what wouldn’t be more appropriate than answering the question, “Why practice Mindfulness? I mean really, what’s the point?”

Although there are several advantages for cultivating a Mindfulness routine I thought of focusing on three main reasons for putting in the time and effort it takes for developing consistency with your own daily practice.

1. Lessons Influence of the “Negativity Bias” As people relate to either the present moment, remembering the past or imagining the future we tend to focus on all of the things that are, were or might be unpleasant. Neuroscience now labels this tendency of the mind the “Negativity Bias”. This Negativity Bias taints and colors our perspective developing tunnel vision around negative experiences without us even realizing it. For me, it was the enormous amount of stress felt from focusing on all of the limitations I experience as a result of my vision loss and living a life filled with chronic pain. Then, there are those little daily annoyances like whenever there’s a small accident, or I don’t "measure up", make a mistake or during the countless times I’m stuck riding in LA traffic.
   

2. Strengthens Attention and Concentration Skills How many times have we heard throughout our Life, “PAY ATTENTION”. But no one really ever explains how to go about doing this as if we are supposed to somehow figure out and develop the skills of concentration and attention regulation on our own. By returning attention time and time again to the object of your choice (Breath, Body, Sounds, Emotions, Thoughts…)you can use it as an anchor for entering into Mindful Awareness. The practitioner strengthens their ability to pay attention, focus and concentrate on the present moment.
   

3. Improves Emotional Regulation Once you are capable of being Mindful, you able to pay closer attention to your life and what you're focusing on. These skills develop the ability for you to become the architect of your life. By learning how to observe and notice the contents of Awareness more closely this enables you to choose between what’s worth focusing on and putting your mental energy towards. Eventually, you will have the SUPERPOWER to lower the volume felt from negative experiences while turning up the dial on pleasant stimulus. Sam Harris once said, "once you realize you’re on an emotional rollercoaster, it’s up to you whether to stay on the ride or get off." This frees up quite a bit of time; allowing you to devote it on activities that bring on a sense of satisfaction, well-being and fulfillment.

But, just don’t take my word for it. I now invite you to discover the benefits of developing a daily Mindfulness practice for yourself. If you find yourself struggling in any type of way, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Just Be & Be Well,

Eric Cooley, MSW, TMF