Embracing Mindfulness: Insights from Safe Harbor’s Recent Session
Adapted from summary contributed by Katie Sell, Safe Harbor House Manager.
On August 27, Healthy Acadia’s Sonya Connelly and Ursula Hanson visited Safe Harbor with a transformative session, offering residents a chance to delve into the practice of mindfulness. As Jon Kabat-Zinn, a leading figure in mindfulness, defines it: “Mindfulness is paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.” His pioneering work in the field has helped countless individuals integrate mindfulness into their daily lives.
A quick look into Jon Kabat-Zinn’s journey reveals his profound impact on mindfulness. In the early 1970s, he attended MIT to study molecular biology but was introduced to mindfulness and meditation through Buddhism. These practices deeply influenced him, prompting him to strip away religious elements and merge mindfulness with his scientific research. This fusion led to the creation of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a widely practiced approach to managing stress and enhancing well-being.
Mindfulness is more than a theoretical concept; it’s a practical tool that helps us regain balance amidst suffering and pain. Whether through a formal, daily practice or simply by being more attentive to our internal and external experiences, mindfulness offers a range of approaches to enhance our mental and emotional health.
The brain, much like a muscle, is shaped by experience and practice. Historically, engaging in thoughts and behaviors associated with addiction could unknowingly alter our brain in ways that hindered mindfulness. However, mindfulness practices, including meditation, empower us to intentionally reshape our brains, fostering greater control, awareness, and happiness.
A key question often arises: “How do mindfulness and self-compassion relate to each other?”
Mindfulness centers on the acceptance of our experiences. It encourages us to ask, “What am I experiencing right now?” On the other hand, self-compassion focuses on caring for ourselves during these experiences. It prompts us to consider, “What do I need right now?” Mindfulness urges us to “feel your suffering with spacious awareness,” while self-compassion advises us to “be kind to yourself when you suffer.”
Both mindfulness and self-compassion work together to help us live with less resistance toward ourselves and our lives. By fully accepting that pain is a part of our experience and responding with kindness, we can navigate our challenges with greater ease and resilience.
Through the insights shared by Sonya and Ursula, Safe Harbor residents are better equipped to harness the power of mindfulness and self-compassion, enriching their journey towards healing and well-being.
Click here to learn more about Healthy Acadia’s community mindfulness programming.