Mindfulness and presence

Author, Eckhart Tolle, explains that stress arises when the mind predominantly focuses on either the past or the future. For most of us, this is a “normal” way of being. Our society is constantly running, chasing, striving and trying to get things done. Very seldom, do we stop and take a deep breath in, and as we do this, just surrender to the moment and drop into our body. Thinking and doing becomes our entire existence, rather than sensing and being. Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of many books on meditation, uses the word “mindfulness” to express a state of being where mind and body work as one. In his book,  “Wherever you go, there you are”, he discusses this profound principle, which can help to reduce daily stress.

A vital part of my work with clients involves helping them to become body conscious and fully aware. When you focus on your sensations – the smell of the air, the images around you, the feelings on your skin and in your body (and don’t judge what you sense) – you have become present. The aim of Jon Kabat-Zinn and Eckhart Tolle’s work is to encourage humankind to develop a moment by moment consciousness.  Examples of this are:  when you’re washing the dishes, just wash the dishes. When you drive, just drive. When you sit in the garden, just sit in the garden. Get out of the head and into your body – into the present moment. In fact, I start my hypnotherapy process with sensation enhancement and body consciousness, in order to relax both the body and the mind.

There are numerous books out there related to this subject of awareness and presence, but my personal favourites are definitely “The Power of Now”, by Eckhart Tolle, and all of the books by Jon Kabat-Zinn.