The FastDay Forum

Carorees, I've not heard of Mindfulness, can you tell me what is involved please ?

[carorees]

Mindfulness is a system of meditation practices proven to help reduce "brain chatter" and respond more appropriately to thoughts and feelings.

Useful article explaining it from the Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/wellb ... lness.html

Mindfulness website:
http://www.mindfulnet.org/

I have heard a lot of good things about it. My friend and forum member, nikipins, does it and finds it helpful.

It is on my to-do list as it would probably help my insomnia...just, you know, it hasn't got to the top of my agenda yet...

I'll also put that site on my agenda.

I agree that gaining control of one area of life helps. I had counseling some years ago and although it helped me face some of my issues I could not talk about the deepest problem so it was rather wasted. It was recommended I went to a 'safe place' for more counseling but I find it better to visualize a box I put these thoughts in. I seal the lid and put it in a cupboard. It has taken years but it is in the cupboard now, I know it is there but I do not need to open it. Sounds like I am crazy but it works for me. I am who I am, warts and all.

I think staying busy, getting stuff done - a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day, and connecting with other people - all these things have helped me with a chronic lack of self-esteem. And by doing things I don't mean being super go-getting and successful in business, I just mean tackling stuff like household chores you've put off, making an effort to get out of the house and meet other people. And I have to say that seeing the difference fasting can make to the few stubborn pounds that wouldn't shift any other way, has given me a huge boost. I've learnt I CAN do something about my weight and for years I thought middle-age spread was just inevitable - it isn't.

I'm no expert but you can go to a mirror look yourself in the eye and sing a song a happy one/ sexy one/ You are so beautiful to me, Can't you see....
It will be difficult not to laugh or have a good cry and try again 2 times a day if you feel bad non if you don't.
The postman wasn't sure what the noise was though I was dying (I'm no Kyle lol )

As Bobshouse mentioned visualisation is helpful because it is easy to get caught in negative circular thinking, by trying to turn your negative feeling into something you can visualise it can be moved out of unconscious thought into something more"concrete" & deal able with. For example a feeling of anxiety or fear could be visualised as a coil of rope in the palm of your hands. By concentrating on this visualisation it can then be changed into something else less tight or heavy such as cobwebs or dust & then blown away. I know it sounds weird but it has worked well for people I have worked with & is another way of taking conscious control of your fears & then being able to deal with them.

Hmmm don't know that I'd get any post at all if I did that Jacquiann but it sounds fun:)
Isis > No, it does'nt sound weird many people find visulisation really helpful.

Moodgym is another website that is free to join and offers CBT based exercises. For more serious self esteem or depression problems I would always say speak to your GP and get yourself referred for CBT on the NHS. The waiting lists can be very long, which is where websites like moodgym can come in as it gives you something to work on while you wait.

I read something about writing down three things you are grateful for every morning, but I have to admit I haven't tried it.

I hope that helps.

Over the years I've worked from very low self esteem to currently very lovely self esteem. Here are the things I have found useful:

* A little book titled, "Taming Your Gremlin," by Carson
* Noticing and writing down the little things during the day that I appreciate
* Removing all sugar and wheat from my diet
* Removing alcohol from my diet
* Exercising on a regular basis
* Spending as much time as possible outdoors

Even though some were hard habits to cultivate, every single one has been more than worth it!