Within our focus on Emotional Intelligence, we introduce some practise of mindfulness
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” *
If you refer back to Daniel Goleman’s 4 domains of emotional intelligence, you will see that the first 2 are self-awareness and self-management. It takes a great deal of skill to be self-aware and certainly requires that we are in touch with this moment. It also can take a great deal of skill to manage our emotions. With reference to our primitive/emotional brain, it is easy to see just why maintaining self-awareness can be so difficult. In the heat of the moment, we may become completely overwhelmed by the effects of the split second reaction caused by an amygdala re-stimulation. However with mindfulness practise, it may be possible to “see” this reaction for what it is and in so doing, be able to make the choice to be appropriately, emotionally responsive rather than just to go into a knee jerk reaction.
“At the root of every emotion is the urge to act: impulse is inherent in emotion….. Mindfulness can interpose as reflecting consciousness between emotional impulse and action.” **
“ ….It wakes us up to the fact that our lives unfold only in moments. If we are not fully present for many of those moments, we may not only miss what is most valuable in our lives but also fail to realize the richness and the depth of our possibilities for growth and transformation.
A diminished awareness of the present moment inevitably creates other problems for us as well through our unconscious and automatic actions and behaviours, often driven by deep seated fears and insecurities. These problems tend to build over time if they are not attended to and can eventually leave us feeling stuck and out of touch. Over time, we may lose confidence in our ability to redirect our energies in ways that would lead to greater satisfaction and happiness, perhaps even to greater health.” *
Mindfulness also requires us to be non-judgmental which is often very difficult considering the “cops in our head” that most of us carry around with us. Again by noticing these cops we are able to see them for what they are and apply some “mindful empathy – just being with the feelings without trying to change them.”
Mindfulness “doesn’t magically happen by itself. It takes energy. We call the effort to cultivate our ability to be in the present moment “practice” or “meditation practise.” *
“It is simply a practical way to be more in touch with the fullness of your being through a systematic process of self-observation, self-inquiry and mindful action. There is nothing cold, analytical, or unfeeling about it. The overall tenor of mindfulness practice is gentle, appreciative and nurturing. Another way to think of it would be “heartfulness.” *
For the past 6 or 7 years we have been developing activities that highlight mindfulness in action. We also introduce mindfulness meditation excercises with appropriate groups, adapted to suit the age and/or ability.
* Jon Kabat-Zinn Full Catastrophe Living.
Wherever You Go There You Are.
Coming to our Senses
** Tara Goleman Emotional Alchemy |
