Hey Moon, Quirky and everyone

Hey Moon....great comment you made to Quirky....that is applicable to myself and many others....

Moon mentioned "maybe mindfulness is not the ideal way for you....no big deal...use whatever works"

Bananarama did a cover of 'Venus' in the mid '80s....It was excellent....Its on youtube Moon..have a look!

'Shocking Blue' did the original version of 'Venus' in the late '60s...Also available on youtube too :-)

Hey Quirky....you are not too distracted at all as you have an excellent way of 'staying in the moment' and finding peace...'Mindfulness' wasnt used as a term in the 80's.....just to answer your question. Its just a word

my kindest always

Paul

Has anyone used mindfulness to help with staying asleep.

I keep trying but it does not stop me thinking.

Just wonder if anyone has a strategy for night mindfulness?

Quirky

Hello Quirky, Paul and everyone..🤗..

Quirky..Just my thoughts here...I think that it depends what we are thinking about just before we fall asleep that determines if we can get a good not interrupted sleep...and our immediate thought on waking is what we fall asleep thinking or hearing whether it be in our mind or by ear....I mean if we fall asleep while our mind is constantly bombarding us with negative thoughts, then that’s what we wake up to...negatively.....and mindfulness is nearly impossible to achieve..

I have been listening to sleep stories for a few months now..I like Dan Jones the best..he has a soothing voice and his stories are always beautiful and relaxing as well as positive...I usually fall asleep before he finishes reading his story...If I wake through the night my first thoughts are of what I heard just before falling asleep...which is of a peaceful nature and a soft calming voice...I close my eyes and think of the beautiful places the story took me to...If I find my mind starts straying into negative thoughts...I’ll press the replay button and begin again to listen to his story...and drift back off to sleep in a short period of time....

He has hundreds of stories to choose from...and I hope it’s okay if I say that I hope you and others reading..give it a try....

Not sure if I talked about what your asking for Quirky...or if I’m completely of target...just trying to help a little...

Kind thoughts..with luv and hugs..

Grandy...

Hi Quirky

Thankyou for the great post...Just for myself I use one word to get to sleep if I have a 'busy' mind....

I just slowly think about the word 'BLANK'....as in blank....devoid of thought....Forcing myself doesnt work as you know anyway. I just keep 'gently' thinking about 'blank'.....It becomes that boring I fall asleep. I dont know if thats using mindfulness to sleep...I hope that helps..?

Hi Grandy....I really appreciate your help with mindfulness and sleep! You mentioned "Dan Jones the best..he has a soothing voice and his stories are always beautiful and relaxing as well as positive...I usually fall asleep
before he finishes reading his story"

Can you let us know if Dan Jones stories are available through the internet? That would be really great :-)

Note: Dools wrote an excellent thread topic called 'Sleep' I have provided the copy and paste link below...

www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/sleep

I hope everyone is reasonably okay!

Paul

 

Hello Paul and everyone..🤗..

Thank you for your kind words..to me and everyone, you have a beautiful heart and soul...Thank you for the gentle person you are...

Paul I do not know how to put links on here...I do read the sleep thread and have mentioned sleep stories in their..If you search you tube..”Dan Jones Sleep stories”..they will come up...he also does meditation and self hypnosis as well....

I have subscribed to his stories and get notifications when he writes and reads another one....

Kindest thoughts and hugs everyone..

Grandy..

Thanks grandy.

I will look up those stories. Thanks.

Thanks Paul, I have tried that but it doesn't help me. I can fall asleep but I wake up for medical reasons and cant get back to sleep easily.

Quirky

Hi everyone and new members are always welcome to post too :-)

Hey Grandy....Thankyou for your super kind post! Links arent that important Grandy....The Google reference is just fine as readers/members can search for 'Dan Jones Sleep stories' Appreciate that Grandy!

Hey Quirky....its always a bonus to have you on the forums....no matter where you post! You mentioned that you keep 'thinking' when you brought up sleep mindfulness on the 4th. I didnt know about your medical reasons when I was providing an example of how to stop our overthinking when we (try) to sleep...oops!

If anyone can let us know about their thoughts on mindfulness it would be very helpful input :-)

my kind thoughts.....and have a good weekend too!

Paul

I know there are various threads about how to cope with pressure at this time of year.

I wonder if anyone uses a form of mindfulness to still the mind when they feel overhelmed.

Quirky

Hi Quirky

I’ve got a couple of Petrea King’s guided meditations on repeat :)

I know there’s much discussion on the difference between mindfulness and meditation but to me it’s one. Focus.

Annie-1

Thanks for recommending Oetrea Kings meditation, I have read one of her books not familiar with her media rations,

I like the concept of getting focus either through meditation or mindfulness or however you manage it.

Hello everyone is coping with heat, fires and the pressure of socialising at Christmas.

Quirky

Hi Everyone! New members are encouraged to post their thoughts too :-)

• I have struggled with the term mindfulness as my counsellors never mentioned it with my anxiety
• If anyone doesnt understand 'mindfulness' you are not alone..I hope you can post and help out
• If you have had success with 'Mindfulness' please help us help others and let us know!

I hope everyone has a peaceful new year in 2020

my kind thoughts

Paul

hello everyone, this is a great thread where you can share and ask questions.

I keep turning to mindfulness especially now when I am struggling to achieve some peace and that is ok because of what I have experienced.

The lack of sleep is worse than ever so I hope some quiet mindfulness will help. No luck but I keep trying.

What do others do when mindfulness is challenging.

Hi everybody. I just saw this thread, my apologies.

I've heard of Mindfulness before, but I don't understand it 100%. Can someone please explain it to me & give me some suggestions? I could look stuff up on Google though.

Nice thread though. Sorry for interrupting it & being stupid for not knowing about it. I was going to read through everything but wow there's so many comments! But that's a good thing.

Tayla

IMO - Mindfullness is living in the present moment. A real time, play by play of thoughts, feelings, what your senses are picking up and what you can see around you etc.

Like when you go for a walk and you make note of the breeze in your face, the smells you smell, the sights you see youre actively using mindfullness.

Ive been meditating for 10-20 minutes a day for about 2 weeks now and ive noticed its really helping me relax, stay calm and have a more open mind when im going about my day.

Hey again Gambit87.

Interesting. So for example, here's some suggestions, do you think these would count as Mindfulness?:

• Colouring in - taking your time to choose out the colours, focusing on how the colours go together, & how relaxing it can be.
• Showering - the feeling of the water on your body, smelling the soap or shower gel & relaxing under the water, or the steam of the shower?
• Listening to music - taking in the instruments, lyrics, the singers' voice, just paying attention to it.

Would they count? Sorry that they're stupid ideas. I've seen a few Mindfulness Colouring Books though, even ones you can take with you if you go somewhere. I have a few colouring books, sometimes its relaxing for me. Same with playing Happy Colour, a free Colour By Numbers app on my iPad.

Or even walking, taking in your surroundings, the smells, stuff like that? For example if it's been raining, the smell of Eucalyptus? (I love that smell).

Tayla

I lost my husband 4 years ago to cancer and I struggle being alone

Hi Tayla!

Your examples are not stupid ideas at all. All of the examples you have mentioned count (in my opinion) as mindfulness.

I love the smell of eucalyptus after it rains too!

Heyyou

I am sorry that you are struggling being alone.

Were you thinking mindfulness may help you in some way.

Everyone grieves in there own way and their own time.

Tayla I like your list , thanks.

This is a thread where we can help each other.

Some thing may work for one person but not another.

Quirky

Hi Everyone! New members are always welcome to post too

Hey Quirky.....my admiration and respect for the heartfelt support you provide to so many on the forums

Quirky mentioned.." I keep turning to mindfulness especially now when I am struggling to achieve some peace and that is ok because of what I have experienced" You are very strong by continually supporting others after what you have been through with these awful wildfires...Kudos and hugs

Hey Tayla.....Thankyou for the great post....I wrote this thread ages ago as I had difficulty understanding mindfulness...and am still learning!

Hey Gambit....always great to read your posts and thankyou for being a part of the discussion too!

Gambit mentioned "Mindfulness is living in the present moment. A real time, play by play of thoughts, feelings, what your senses are picking up and what you can see around you"

Gambit.....It would be a bonus if you could help us with how you actually meditate...I wrote this thread topic a long time ago and if you wish to share your meditation techniques it would be really excellent :-)

Happy Friday everyone and thankyou for being a part of the Beyond Blue family too!

Paul

Hello Heyyou

my condolences on the tragic loss of your husband....

I hope you can reach out to us even if you wish to create your own thread topic....If you have any questions please just sing out....There are many gentle people on the forums that can be here for you

you are not alone

We are here...and listening

Paul

Gambit mentioned "Mindfulness is living in the present moment. A real time, play by play of thoughts, feelings, what your senses are picking up and what you can see around you"

Gambit.....It would be a bonus if you could help us with how you actually meditate...I wrote this thread topic a long time ago and if you wish to share your meditation techniques it would be really excellent :-)

Hi Paul and everyone!

I use the smiling mind app (free) to meditate. Its kinda weird to meditate when you first start and I never did it every day. Since my break down I've been doing it every day.

Obviously meditation can be done at anytime but for me, during week(work) days I take a break in the mornings and go for a walk to a near by park. I sit on a bench and load up a body scan/breathing meditation (they go for 5-10 minutes) and meditate. I felt a little self conscious at first but you learn to block everything out while meditating. After work on the days I don't have anything to be at I do the same thing or I sit outside when im at home.

On the weekends, I sit outside and do the same meditations. For some reason I don't feel as comfortable meditating indoors as I do outdoors. Probably because I enjoy the outdoors alot more then being inside.

A good thing about the smiling mind app is they also have short little meditations for when you're walking or taking public transport and a quick SOS meditation for when you're feeling anxious.

I understand meditating may not be for everyone but I highly recommend giving it a try and stick with it for a little while. 10-20 minutes a day is all you need and after a while you may notice a change in your mood/relaxation and how you look at things.

Gambit

outside mediation isn’t.for me as I find it distracting and I get bitten by insects

I like your descriptions

Hi Everyone

Hey Gambit87 and thank you posting back with your helpful advice

Gambit87 mentioned 'I understand meditating may not be for everyone but I highly recommend giving it a try and stick with it for a little while. 10-20 minutes a day is all you need and after a while you may notice a change in your mood/relaxation and how you look at things' This is very helpful Gambit

I must give the smiling mind app a try....One of our members..Croix also speaks highly of it too!

I wrote this thread a while ago as I was becoming tired of some health professionals assuming everyone understands about mindfulness when they dont...My counsellors always spoke about proactive distraction in the 1980's when I was in my 20's when my anxiety attacks where severe

I spend a lot of my time outside doing landscaping/gardening and find peace by doing so.....Can I ask if you think that is 'mindfulness'? I did read your post about mindfulness (Feb 4) yet I still struggle with the concept..

Hey Quirky....I can find some peace outside or inside yet I prefer gentle sunlight and no electronics around me You always speak from the heart....Thankyou for the support and TLC you provide to so many people x

my kind thoughts...and appreciation Gambit and Quirky :-)

Paul

As I write it is windy pouring rain and blowing a gale outside. I don't think that is weather for meditation.

Paul, Thanks for your kind words.

Do others find extreme hot , cold or windy weather makes one feel more agitated and less relaxed?

Extreme weather can definitely increase anxiety levels. Previous experience means we are triggered by different weather events. A friend spent years in the tropics and therefore experienced cyclones. Even now living in Victoria with no cyclones strong winds induce fear as they trigger memories of bad cyclones. For me hot, dry. windy days trigger fears of bushfires. I live in a fairly safe area now but telling myself I'm safe doesn't counteract the fear once it is triggered.

Conversely finding a nice quiet spot in the shade surrounded by greenery with trickling water from a stream nearby when the temperature is pleasant is relaxing. In my previous house I loved to sit in front of the window in winter with the sun on my back. The feeling of the sun's warmth in winter is lovely.

Hi Paul and everyone!

blondguy said:

I spend a lot of my time outside doing landscaping/gardening and find peace by doing so.....Can I ask if you think that is 'mindfulness'? I did read your post about mindfulness (Feb 4) yet I still struggle with the concept..

I'm happy you find peace by doing landscaping/gardening.

If you don't mind me asking, what do you think about/how do you feel when you are landscaping/gardening? Do you think about things like the height of your plants/trees? the smells you can smell? the colours of different plants, things you are doing right in the moment etc if you are then (based on my opinion on what mindfulness is) you are using mindfulness.

For example when I go for a long walk along the river I live near - I'm noticing my feet hitting the ground when I walk, I notice the ducks on the pond, the sounds of the birds, the transition of smells - from slightly salty/eucalypt to smelly stagnant swampy water back to the beautiful salty/eucalypt, I notice the lights of the stadium, the people walking past, the excitement I get when I see all the dogs haha. I think things like 'wow that's a beautiful view or what a cool looking bird etc) I notice how the sights/sounds/smells/the walk makes me feel. - I'm using mindfulness.

I hope that helps :)

Hi Everyone! New members are always welcome to post too..

Hey Quirky....Its great to hear the rain for sure...The rain and wind (just for me) are so relaxing I feel like I am near the ocean and it has a calming mother nature effect and I can fall into a deep sleep when I go to bed....I find anything above 35C difficult to relax with...Great question :-)

Hey Elizabeth....Thankyou for the helpful post! You mentioned "finding a nice quiet spot in the shade surrounded by greenery with trickling water from a stream nearby when the temperature is pleasant is relaxing" I also find gentle sunshine a bonus to finding some peace

Hey Gambit....Your input is appreciated and valued...thankyou! You asked "what do you think about/how do you feel when you are landscaping/gardening? " Thats an excellent question...considering the thread topic...

Whilst landscaping I am usually devoid of negative thoughts and find a strong sense of well being...I usually think about pleasant things as they come....It is a peaceful place to be....followed by a feeling of achievement :-)

Your fresh opinion/experience of what 'mindfulness' represents is important Gambit as you have provided clarity to so many....and that includes myself too

just a note....Approx 70% of the 'hits' to the forums are people that choose to 'read only' which is great...so you have helped more people than you know :-)

my kind thoughts

Paul

Hi all.

I haven't been doing much mindfulness, I guess I should try to give that a go. I haven't really thought about doing it.

Any suggestions?

Tayla

Hi Talya! two things I do - is either look for 5 things you can see in a room, or (my favourite) to try and count five sounds you can hear in a room, just to calm down the senses. I think you can also just focus in when you are having a shower, or even doing the dishes, on the sensory stuff, like the bubbles and the rushing water. To be honest I'm a bit scared of the word "mindfullness" - it seems like something very new age, like it's a trend that will come in and come out. It seems hear like it's very personal, and people try to be mindful doing things they enjoy....not sure though...

“As I began to love myself I quit stealing my own time, and I stopped designing huge projects for the future. Today, I only do what brings me joy and happiness, things I love to do and that make my heart cheer, and I do them in my own way and in my own rhythm. Today I call it “SIMPLICITY”.”

This quote is from Charlie Chaplin.

It made me think about little simple things that we can keep in front of us.

I love walking. Just love walking, especially in leafy areas or by the coast. I like city walking too.

I keep observant, I watch each passing scene as a work of Art.

It could be beautiful trees, I walk being keenly aware of the leaves and bark, their colour and texture, the sunlight dappling or raindrops splashing.

Or walking through the City I pay attention to the shop windows, the pavements - the faces of the people around. The sounds. The smells.

I recently found real pleasure in ironing! I’ve always hated ironing.

Anyway, I slowed right down, picking up each piece, smoothing, setting the steam...ironing with care and purpose. Then fold... enjoying the scent of freshly laundered cotton, towelling. It’s my new pleasure.

Who'd have thought it? Not me 😉

I love reading. But sometimes I can’t get into a book...but I do enjoy poetry, at anytime. Little bit sized pieces of mind caressing words.

I find if I slow right down, right down - every little simple good thing becomes very real, very present... it’s my ‘NOW’.

I was quite stressed about a couple small things this morning...I caught my cat’s eye, walked over and bent down to nuzzle and stroke.

I felt her breath, her rich purr... her delicious scent on her fur...that was very REAL. I stayed with her for 10 minutes or so.

My anxiety quietened and I was able to get on with sorting out the source of my worry.

I’m going to start creating Art in my own way soon... but that needs a good few hours of time.

Meanwhile, little momentary focuses on things of simple joy and pleasure are like food and water to me 🙂

That’s how I use mindfulness.

Enjoying reading everyone’s thoughts and experiences with keeping in the ‘now’.

❤️