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In this newsletter you'll learn more about emotional mindfulness. Jon Kabat-Zin, the developer of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, describes mindfulness as moment-to-moment awareness and acceptance. Emotional mindfulness involves moment-to-moment awareness and acceptance of our emotional experience. Sounds simple, yet we've discovered in our work that many people have difficulty noticing and accepting their emotions without judgment. Simply put, we have strong feelings about our feelings. Until we realize that all our resistance in life is linked to our emotions, we will not be able to move to full acceptance of our feelings which in turn allows us to open up, move through, and get beyond our fears. Emotional resistance can hijack our thinking and detract from our ability to solve problems and make important decisions. Our avoidance of our feelings contributes to symptoms of depression, anxiety, mental confusion and relationship problems. Moving beyond our emotional resistance and avoidance allows us to open up to life with a sense of flow, ease, and clarity. |
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Tips for Practicing Emotional Mindfulness
- Take some time regularly to notice how you are feeling.
- Tune into your body, what you are experiencing physically.
- Notice movements, sensations, and any tightness or clenching.
- Practice an attitude of acceptance toward your feelings and let judgment fall to the side.
- Get curious about what causes you to feel tightness or discomfort. You'll likely discover what feelings trigger resistance.
- Breathe into any tightness or resistance and let yourself give way to what's inside you. Let your feelings wash over you, through you, and see where they take you.
It is through our acceptance and the embracing of our most challenging and painful emotions that we can move through the storm to experience new freedom. Our job is only to receive the emotional message that comes from deep inside us. Then, we can decide what to do with that message.
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Center For Courageous Living News
We are excited to announce a new free resource for you. We've added three informative videos to the Center for Courageous Living Blog site which is easily accessible from our website (www.cfcliving.com). These short videos provide timely and helpful information on overcoming anxiety, the importance of emotional mindfulness, and optimal living. Please feel free to share them with friends or relatives who you think might be interested.
Ron has continued to travel across the country presenting his workshop for therapists on "Cultivating the Skills of Emotional Mindfulness." Most recently he was in Austin, Texas where, prior to his visit, a group of therapists had all participated in a study group based on his book. He was so moved by the very affirming and heartfelt feedback. It's so meaningful to him to hear about how people have been affected by his work.
Thank you to all of you that have written to tell us how helpful our recently available audio CD, "Making Room for Joy" has been for you. It is great to get the positive feedback. In this innovative CD, Ron teaches a proven three-step approach to overcoming fear and experiencing more joy in your life. You can learn more about or purchase this useful tool at the Center for Courageous Living website.
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Dr. Ron Frederick & Dr. Tim Beyer
Center for Courageous Living |
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And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
