Page Title

WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?

For thousands of years, people have engaged in the practice of meditation,
focusing on moment-by-moment awareness of experiences in the body, heart and
mind. Because of various events and issues in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries,
meditation and contemplation became somewhat rare in our Western Christian
culture. In recent decades however, these practices have had a growing renewal
and impact.
Presented in a secular form – commonly known as ‘mindfulness’ or ‘mindfulness
meditation’ that requires no adherence to a particular set of beliefs or religious
views – the practice of mindfulness has shown benefits in a variety of areas.   If
meditation was a drug, it would be hailed as a miracle medicine. It can aid our
sense of well-being, transform our home life, and improve our work place and our
culture.
Studies have demonstrated the benefits of mindfulness meditation in the treatment
of stress and anxiety, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, and chronic depression and in the
treatment of chronic pain. Individuals who have practiced mindfulness meditation
have commonly reported an increased ability to relax, enhanced energy and
enthusiasm for life, greater self-esteem, better concentration, and an ability to cope
more effectively with stress.

HOW DOES MINDFULNESS HELP?
When a person is impacted by trauma, stress or loss, a cascade of biochemical
responses is set loose by our built-in, biological driven, survival reaction during the
time of the traumatic event(s). Often we are left with hobbled speech and short-
circuited memory, at least when it comes to talking about the specific trauma or
loss. However, most of the time we heal and transition through these difficult times
in several days or weeks or months. But sometimes some of us do not heal. We
may suffer scars or numbness for years, sometimes a lifetime after the event(s).
We have learned that the right side of the brain becomes short-circuited; and the
left side, the thinking side, tries to compensate by “problem solving” and analyzing
over and over until we work things out. But sometimes we become permanently
locked in this over-analyzing state, which can produce a stress reaction. This can
result in a frozen or “numb” state, which can impede our psychological and social
functioning in many ways.
Psychotherapy can be helpful and necessary for many. But just as helpful and
important in healing is the time and practice we spend in quiet relaxing and calm
activities. These activities are necessary to help the right side of the brain heal
from the trauma or loss.

Take an inventory:
What are all the things you already do for calm and relaxation – stress treatment for
the brain?

[ ] Warm Bath                          [ ] Meditation
[ ] Prayer                                  [ ] Musical instrument
[ ] Yoga                                    [ ] Tai Chi
[ ] Gardening                         [ ] Listening to Music

[ ] Other calm relaxing activities:______________________________

          _______________________________________________________

       All too often, we do not take the time to heal like this during and after stress
and trauma. When do we have the time?
        Guided imagery works for many people. You don’t need any skills or training.
All you have to do is listen to a tape or CD. Just take the time – with a tape player
or boombox. Earplugs or headset are helpful. You need a quiet place where you
will not be distracted. If you can’t do 15-20 minutes twice a day, any time you take
is helpful, even if only five minutes. Take whatever time you have, the more the
better.
       Do you want to try guided imagery?   We have the scripts for a series of
imageries. You can record them yourself if you have the equipment and you prefer
your own voice. Or you can purchase them from a reputable source. Or if you
prefer, Mr. Lohkamp has them available for a nominal cost. (Below is a listing of
the guided imagery recordings Mr. Lohkamp has available.)

GUIDED IMAGERY LIST
[Below is a list of CDs and scripts available.]

CD#1                                                      CD#2
Breathing Awareness                           Restful Sleep
Peaceful Place                                        Facing Down Anxiety
Body Awareness                                   Restful Sleep
Protection and Support                        Softening Pain

Other possible CDs/scripts:

Easing Depression                        Releasing Grief
Healing Trauma                              Confidence
Anger and Forgiveness                 Looking Deeper
Weight Loss                                    Addictions

(Reference: see the book “Invisible Heroes” by Belleruth Naparstek; 2004,
ISBN# 0-553-80350-6.)

These Guided Imagery CDs are currently being offered for sale as a
promotion and fundraiser for the health ministry/parish nurse program of
the Maplewood/Richmond Heights Community Church Cluster.    Donations
of $12 for each CD will be given in full to this charity.

The CDs are recorded by Paul Lohkamp, LCSW
and                     Maureen Daniels, RN, MN, Director
                     Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries
                     Phone (314) 918-2632