One of the fastest ways, and possibly the only way, to engage the brain in changing any behavior or emotion is to stay in the present moment. Being present means being fully engaged in the moment with all your senses attuned to the here and now. You are neither dreaming of the future nor regretting the past.
You are “in the moment.”
The practice of self-study that enables us to observe our automatic reactions and impulses, while we are having them in the moment, is an ancient practice. This is the practice of Mindfulness. This is both a practice and a state of mind. Skill in mindful awareness allows the individual to witness his or her own experience, including strategies and habitual tendencies, rather than getting unconsciously caught up in automatic reactions and impulses, or ignoring them altogether. Mindfulness requires compassion and a non-judgmental curiosity by the observer, both client and therapist.
As a Certified Hakomi Therapist, I have been trained in a method that provides the client the context to process his or her experience in a state of mindfulness. This type of processing is a deeper, more intimate way of contacting oneself. The word Hakomi is a Hopi Indian word and means, “Who are you in relationship to these many realms?” By being mindful of our present experience, rather than simply retelling the story, we are likely to tap into feelings, memories, and beliefs, that are surprising, yet feel powerful and true. It can be a relief to finally gain access to what has been unconsciously “driving the bus” for so long.
This quality of awareness makes it more possible to discern when we are using an old strategy out of habit, rather than making a conscious choice based on what is true and real for us now in our lives. We may begin to notice how we block or “organize out” certain experiences that we need most and deeply desire. Behaviors that are mystifying finally make sense, especially when they are seen as creative adaptations to compensate for missing experience. Although unconscious, we have often developed ingenious strategies to avoid further pain. Through the development and intentional application of mindful awareness in our lives, the intrinsic wisdom and intelligence within all of us can unfold itself to give life clarity, a sense of meaning, and satisfaction. Practicing mindful awareness can be very liberating, making healing more possible.
I encourage and support you in taking this journey!
