Wilkinson Public Library: Mindfulness, Monday Night

15 Nov Wilkinson Public Library: Mindfulness, Monday Night

Mindfulness, The Guardian

According to Psychology Today, “mindfulness” is “a state of active, open attention on the present. When you’re mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience.”

Google the topic and  you will find an article about mindfulness in “The Happiness Trap” written by Dr. Russ Harris.

What is Mindfulness?

‘Mindfulness’ is a hot topic in Western psychology: increasingly recognised as an effective way to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, enhance emotional intelligence, and effectively handle painful thoughts and feelings.

Although mindfulness has only recently been embraced by Western psychology, it is an ancient practice found in a wide range of Eastern philosophies, including Buddhism, Taoism and Yoga. Mindfulness involves consciously bringing awareness to your here-and-now experience with openness, interest, and receptiveness. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a world authority on the use of mindfulness training in the management of clinical problems, defines it as:  “Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”

Mindfulness is about waking up, connecting with ourselves, and appreciating the fullness of each moment of life. Kabat-Zinn calls it, “The art of conscious living.”  It is a profound way to enhance psychological and emotional resilience, and increase life satisfaction.

Definitions of Mindfulness

“Bringing one’s complete attention to the present experience on a moment-to-moment basis.”  (Marlatt & Kristeller)

“Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally” (Kabat-Zinn).

“Consciously bringing awareness to your here-and-now experience, with openness, interest and receptiveness.” (The Happiness Trap)

The Benefits of Mindfulness….

Keep reading here.

Monday, November 18, 6 p.m., the Wilkinson Public Library hosts Dr. Jonathan Barfield, a psychotherapist in private practice in Telluride.

Dr. Barfiield will offer an experiential presentation on the topic of  mindfulness from perspectives of Western psychology and Buddhist psychology. He will review the emergence of mindfulness-based therapies in clinical practice that effectively treat stress, addiction, attention problems, depression, anxiety disorders, even personality disorders.

This summer, Dr. Barfield was a guest speaker at the Telluride Institute and Stanford University’s gathering on Compassion.

For further information, contact Laura Colbert, the library’s Community Relations Specialist, 970-728-4519, X 16.