Mindfulness Meditation(MM) can be used to address difficult and painful thoughts post trauma.
Mindfulness is the non-judgmental observation of the ongoing stream of internal and external stimuli as they arise. The practice of MM allows the individual to be able to identify, tolerate and reduce difficult, painful and even frightening thoughts, feelings and sensations and aims to give back some sense of mastery over them. Rather than feeling that one is being pushed around by your feelings and thoughts you learn to be able to have some control over them.
MM is as simple as becoming aware of your here and now experience, both internally externally. It gives you a space in the present moment to be able to more safely deal with the distressing and painful memories of things that might have happened to you in the past. It also allows you to look at and plan for the future from a secure position of knowing that you are in the present moment.
Six simple steps to MM:
1. Sit quietly and breathe for a few minutes.
2. Bring your awareness to something that is difficult for you in your life.
3. Notice what is happening in your body right now as you have these thoughts.
4. As you continue to notice the sensations in your body, see if you can put words to some of the feelings that come with these difficult and painful thoughts.
5. Allow your awareness to move between the thoughts you are having as you notice them, the physical sensations you are having as you notice them, and the feelings and emotions you are having as you notice them.
6. Finally, bring your awareness and attention back to your breathing for a while, noticing the physical sensation of taking breath into your body and releasing it.
If you have been a victim of crime in Victoria contact Victims of Crime Counselling and Compensation Services on freecall 1800 000 055 or email: voccs@hotmail.com for further assistance.
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