Mindfulness Based Programs

Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT) has a specific focus on being kind to ourselves and cultivating positive experiences. We can’t learn this from a book, only from the experience, and we develop integrity in teaching this by embodying it.

In Mindfulness-Based Therapy we learn to relate to and process our thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations in different ways. Every human being has some version of an 'I’m not good enough' story in their minds that comes out when under stress. Some individuals tend to ruminate over things which are worrying them, including their symptoms, problems, and life dramas. They do this with the best of intentions, assuming that it will help them understand the problem better, or solve the problem more effectively.

Unfortunately, research suggests that the opposite is true and that rumination actually reduces effective problem-solving. Even if we don’t ruminate as such, old and often unhelpful habits of thinking and behaving can be effortlessly activated under stress which only add to the problem.

MBT assumes that the combination of Non-awareness and judgement are fundamental to the causes of our mental and emotional suffering. With lack of awareness, old habits of negative thinking, ruminating and worrying can spiral into more distressing states. With judgement, our constant wish for things to be different, or belief that they should be, gives rise to unhappiness and habitual, sometimes obsessive, and often unhelpful thinking patterns in an attempt to problem solve. This happens because we have a low tolerance for discomfort or displeasure and in MBCT we learn to see these habits of mind and relate to them differently.

Studies have shown that individuals who are able to ‘let go’ of worries or unhelpful habits of thinking are more effective at managing their problems. Being in a calm, clear state of mind allows the mind/body to activate its own resources and healing systems without interruption, and that can often be enough to sort things out.

With emotional problems, letting go can sometimes be enough but if not, then the skillful considered use of MBT practices can be added with effect. MBT is not meant to replace other remedies, but to complement them.

We need to first to be able to meet ourselves, be with ourselves, all the seemingly likeable and un-likeable, pleasant and unpleasant aspects of our being.  Then we meet others where they are, first and foremost the inner experience, to listen and understand. We know that understanding is not the same as agreeing.

First we meet, then we come into steadiness and gather ourselves, then we gain perspective about what is happening right now, about our place in the world, and about the world. And there is freedom.