As Mindfulness is very much "in" at the moment with lots of media coverage about it's benefits, I asked how YourSpace can take our monthly mindfulness sessions forward.
"Sometimes mindfulness can be confused with meditation, although you can practice "mindfulness meditation", which is finding a quiet place to sit to meditate, you can use "mindfulness" in everything you do, from washing your teeth in the morning, whilst at work to ironing in the evening, anywhere any time. There is also a misconception about how mindfulness should "make" you feel. Being mindful does not necessarily bring you relaxation and calm. If is does then that's an added bonus. You can be mindful however you are feeling, it's just a case of accepting that that is how you are feeling right now."
We went on to discuss rumination and worry. Rumination is dwelling on the past and worry is fretting about the future, the if only's and what if's in life. We can get stuck in these thoughts so much so that it has an effect on our mood. We get depressed or become anxious. Our rep gave me a useful exercise that we may like to do at such moments that we find ourselves ruminating or worrying, it's called the "Paying Attention Exercise". It's self explanatory really, when we find ourselves ruminating or worrying look around and recognise where we are at that moment, how are we feeling, then taking notice of what is going on around you, what can you see, smell, hear? Taking time to do this, then taking note of how you feel again.
There were a couple of questions answered:-
Let's Talk are no longer offering Counselling. If these services are required then individuals will need to contact Listening Post or Gloucestershire Counselling Services. Or getting in touch with local charities such as RELATE or CRUSE etc.
If you would like to have a Mental Health Assessment you need to see your GP first, who will refer you to the Mental Health Nurse who will see you at your GP's Surgery, do the assessment and refer you to the appropriate service.
Although the Let's Talk Web site is being refurbished you can still download any of the Books on Prescription or Let's Talk Work Books.
Our Rep also mentioned the free art activities for NHS patients in Gloucestershire called Art Lift. I will be putting these details on our YourSpace Web site soon. If you would like to have a look at what they do you can go onto www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/artlift
Ruth
YourSpace Facilitator.