RE: Re: Working through a mindfulness practice...

[Guest guest]

Thanks folks, all good input.Responding to the thread in no particular order: I started with a mindfulness practices after reading " the happiness trap " about two months ago.  I'm a husband/dad with a stressful job, and I began to struggle with anxiety (and perhaps a bit of depression) about 6 years ago after a job loss and 4 work-related moves in the period of a year.  I had been using REBT exercises to try to address the irrational beliefs that were leading to my anxiety and, while it worked on an intellectual level, it did not seem to prevent the cascade of anxious thinking that (at its worst) led to anxiety attacks, insomnia, etc.   Since beginning a sitting practice, working on acceptance and trying to be more mindful I haven't had a bona-fide anxiety attack (which I view as very positive).  Am I using mindfulness as a 'control strategy " ...?  Perhaps.  If you happen to like an outcome of a particular set of actions, does that make it a control strategy?  I dunno...

At any rate, I do sometimes feel like I'm 'giving up' something by trying to be mindful at work and during 'down' time.  If I actually noticed a drop off in my work performance (which I haven't) I might be concerned.  However, if you asked me if I'd trade a 10% drop in work performance for more equanimity in my life, I'd certainly take it (especially after an episode).  Life is a series of choices, I guess, and they all have costs, benefits and outcomes...

Thanks!Burt

 

I smiled at this comment ,

" I can't find the switch that let's your mind run free, but then puts it back in its box when you are done. If anyone does, please let me know! "

I bet you have it and don't even realise...creative thinking is just about asking AND answering questions, (the key is in being honest with yourself and the information you have already).I am thinking about X which leads me to thinking about y and z, damn it I need an A in there as well because y and Z are not enough. The point I'm making is that creative thinking, (Something we can all tap into to varying degrees) is about allowing all the questions and answers to pass through your thinking process. Even if it is obscure or seems unreasonable, it still has its place, despite not having a position.

Sorry, I do declare that I am Not confident in my words (Translation: talking through my ass) but I hope that on some level I can contribute.

Lou

>

>

> Subject: Working through a mindfulness practice...

> To: ACT_for_the_Public

> Date: Tuesday, 24 May, 2011, 14:22

>

> Starting reading up on ACT a few months ago to help with some anxiety  issues.  I've been formally practicing typically once or twice per day (i.e., sitting through guided mindfulness exercises).  In addition, I'm also doing my best to incorporate mindfulness during daily life activities.  I've noticed a couple of things that I'd be interested in some feedback on:

>

> I always had put some value on being able to give my mind 'free reign' to think about problems and issues (usually work related) and to allow solutions to arise.  When I'm being mindful (e.g., taking a walk or riding my bike mindfully), this is no longer happening if I'm paying attention to the moment.  The benefit is that I'm allowing myself not to be fused with problematic issues (work or life stress), but I'm also not problem solving. 

>

> On some level, I can't help viewing this as a lost opportunity. Perhaps this is a manifestation of my thinking not 'liking' having free to be 'in control' and fused...?

>

> Thoughts...?

>

>

>

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[Guest guest]

Hi Burt - I've highlighted and commented on a few phrases of your email that I consider to be revealing - seems like lots of struggle.Rather than give you a bunch of quotes from The Happiness Trap, I will recommend that you pick up the book as if you have never seen it before. Study chapters 1-3 very carefully to refresh your memory of why we think like we do. Study chapter 3 to be sure you understand Russ's definition of mindfulness - a mental state of awareness, openness and focus. He does not mean just meditation. Chapter 3 also introduces the six ACT core principles, all of which must be used appropriately to find psychological flexibility. I'm attaching the PowerPoint presentation on the hexaflex. Watch is as a slide show for the full effect. The last version of slide 18 summarizes and asks the ACT question?Also read chapter 19 - A Confusing Word, especially the section ACT Is Not Meditation.I think your mind is like many other minds on this listserv. It is like a race horse that must run and will not be controlled. Those of us with minds like that must learn to ACCEPT that and find a way to enjoy the ride. If our minds feel the least little tug on the reins they resist and say "Here's what I think of your tug on the reins!" Our work and our life are outlets for our wonderful brains. My brain knows how to relax AFTER it has had a good run. It does not enjoy trying to relax instead of running.BillTo: ACT_for_the_Public From: burt.hoovis@...Date: Wed, 25 May 2011 05:38:13 -0400Subject: Re: Re: Working through a mindfulness practice...

Thanks folks, all good input.Responding to the thread in no particular order: I started with a mindfulness practices after reading "the happiness trap" about two months ago. I'm a husband/dad with a stressful job, and I began to struggle with anxiety (and perhaps a bit of depression) about 6 years ago after a job loss and 4 work-related moves in the period of a year. I had been using REBT exercises to try to address the irrational beliefs that were leading to my anxiety and, while it worked on an intellectual level, it did not seem to prevent PREVENT! the cascade of anxious thinking that (at its worst) led to anxiety attacks, insomnia, etc. Since beginning a sitting practice, working on acceptance and trying to be more mindful I haven't had a bona-fide anxiety attack (which I view as very positive). Am I using mindfulness as a 'control strategy"...?Sure sounds like it to me (and to you) Perhaps. If you happen to like an outcome of a particular set of actions, does that make it a control strategy It depends on what outcome you are seeking!? I dunno...

At any rate, I do sometimes feel like I'm 'giving up' something by trying to be mindful at work and during 'down' time. If I actually noticed a drop off in my work performance (which I haven't) I might be concerned. However, if you asked me if I'd trade a 10% drop in work performance for more equanimity in my life, I'd certainly take it (especially after an episode). Life is a series of choices, I guess, and they all have costs, benefits and outcomes...

Thanks!Burt

I smiled at this comment ,

"I can't find the switch that let's your mind run free, but then puts it back in its box when you are done. If anyone does, please let me know!"

I bet you have it and don't even realise...creative thinking is just about asking AND answering questions, (the key is in being honest with yourself and the information you have already).I am thinking about X which leads me to thinking about y and z, damn it I need an A in there as well because y and Z are not enough. The point I'm making is that creative thinking, (Something we can all tap into to varying degrees) is about allowing all the questions and answers to pass through your thinking process. Even if it is obscure or seems unreasonable, it still has its place, despite not having a position.

Sorry, I do declare that I am Not confident in my words (Translation: talking through my ass) but I hope that on some level I can contribute.

Lou

>

>

> Subject: Working through a mindfulness practice...

> To: ACT_for_the_Public

> Date: Tuesday, 24 May, 2011, 14:22

>

> Starting reading up on ACT a few months ago to help with some anxiety issues. I've been formally practicing typically once or twice per day (i.e., sitting through guided mindfulness exercises). In addition, I'm also doing my best to incorporate mindfulness during daily life activities. I've noticed a couple of things that I'd be interested in some feedback on:

>

> I always had put some value on being able to give my mind 'free reign' to think about problems and issues (usually work related) and to allow solutions to arise. When I'm being mindful (e.g., taking a walk or riding my bike mindfully), this is no longer happening if I'm paying attention to the moment. The benefit is that I'm allowing myself not to be fused with problematic issues (work or life stress), but I'm also not problem solving.

>

> On some level, I can't help viewing this as a lost opportunity. Perhaps this is a manifestation of my thinking not 'liking' having free to be 'in control' and fused...?

>

> Thoughts...?

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> For other ACT materials and list serves see www.contextualpsychology.org

>

> If you do not wish to belong to ACT_for_the_Public, you may

> unsubscribe by sending an email to

> ACT_for_the_Public-unsubscribe@...! Groups Links

>

1 of 1 File(s)

Hexaflex.ppt