Living a Mindful Life

During the first two Saturday afternoons in June, I offered a free seminar on the subject of Mindfulness, “The Art of Training One’s Mind.” We had a great time practicing this skill. I thought it would be great to share what we practiced to those that we unable to attend. Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends and family.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a practice of consciousness. This practice includes awareness, acknowledgment and acceptance.

Where does it come from?

Mindfulness practice comes from the practice of Buddhism and other ancient wisdom practices.

What Frame of Reference does Mindfulness come from?

Dichotomous thinking is black and white thinking that comes from duality (Good/Bad, Right/Wrong and etc). Dialectical is grey thinking; relating to the world of logic and opinions. In other words, using a third observer who is non-bias and nonjudgmental. Mindfulness is a dialectical practice, so, nothing can be bad or good. There are degrees of effectiveness to obtain what you want in your life. Some people chose more effective choices than others and we can always turn it around.

The Practice of Mindfulness

What is it?

  • The practice of Observing—just notice without judgment
  • The practice of Describing—just putting a simple label on your experience without judgment
  • The practice of living life in the FLOW

How Do I Practice?

  • Use a nonjudgmental stance (flag words of judgment are: bad, good, right, wrong, should and couldn’t)
  • Focus your attention on one thing at a time, even if you are multitasking; allow your breath to bring you back to the moment
  • Do what works; be effective; if something isn’t working—stop, change gears and do something different

Quote of the Month

Your life has everything to do with
Your consciousness,
What you think,
You are.
Be transformed
By the renewal of your mind.
Practice turning over old beliefs and thoughts.
Know that you are worthy,
Just being alive.

-Elana Clark-Faler

Practice of the Month

I think it is very important to have a daily practice. Of course, it is difficult to get a practice started, because we are busy and have other things on our mind. However, if you can take baby steps and start a discipline of mindfulness, you can slowly build your discipline. I offer the following suggestions to get started:

  • Deep slow breath while driving in the car or washing dishes. Notice if you have thoughts or if your mind wonders; slowly and gently bring your attention back to your breath.
  • While walking, take 4 long breaths (in and out) and give a half-smile. Did your mood change slightly?
  • Do something different this month; if there is a yoga, knitting, or cooking class that you have been meaning to sign up for, do it! No more excuses!!!!
  • Try practicing one of the mindfulness skills (listed above) 1x daily. See if it increases your awareness.

Upcoming Events

Women’s & Intimacy Group
Monday at 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. in Beverly Hills, CA
Elana co-faciliates this group with Michelle Hirschman, MSW. If interested please contact Elana for an entrance interview. There is limited space available.

Coming soon

Are You Making a Splash, but Drowning in Debt?
Learn to be your own Financial Lifeguard & Rescue your Finances! Margo Linden-Katz, CPA & Elana Clark-Faler, LCSW are offering a workshop in September 2007 on methods to get out of debt and create financial freedom. Stay tuned for more information.