Coping with Anxiety: Mindfulness Meditation?

Is it possible? A recent article I read states that mindfulness meditation may be the future treatment of choice for anxiety? WOW!!
An article posted in the National Post out of the UK posted and article that stated the Journal of the American Medical Assoc. (www.jamanetwork.com) published a ground breaking study released on Jan 6, 2014.

The report found that mindless meditation "nurtures equanimity" and trains you to have an unshakable balance of mind, so you're feeling everything but not getting swamped by it. The study said it appears to provide as much relief from some anxiety and depression symptoms as antidepressants? AMAZING!

Dr. Madhav Goyal of John Hopkins School of Medicine led the research and singled out mindfulness meditation as the most effective form of treatment.

I absolutely am thrilled to hear of this study as "Knowledge is Power" when it comes to anxiety and depression. What is even more exciting is that it is Drug-Free. Please see below the three steps they provide to master mindfulness meditation. Please keep in mind we all have our own personal feelings and this may not be exciting to some and I respect that. My goal is only to help and support.

CREATING A SPACE FOR MINDFULNESS

This technique can be used whenever you feel unbalanced, anxious, or simply would like to feel more present. It takes no more than three minutes and can be practised at home, in the office, on the train… anywhere.

1. With eyes closed, sit in a straight-backed chair, upright, alert but relaxed. Bring your attention to your feet. Notice how they feel resting on the floor. Then, notice physical sensations in the body – on your skin, in the muscles. Next, become aware of your thinking; notice thoughts as they come and go without getting involved with the content of the thought; and then turn attention to any emotions you may be feeling. Be curious about how you’re feeling – there’s no need to fix or change how you experience. Simply notice it.
2. Now, gather your attention into your breathing. Notice the sensation of air entering the nostrils and then exiting. Keep your awareness on the natural flow of your breath for a minute or so, being really interested in the quality of each breath: texture, temperature, length… If your mind becomes distracted, don’t worry: simply bring your attention back to your breathing.

3. Now, expand your attention outwards so that you feel your whole body breathing. Feel the breath flowing through all parts of the body. You can then extend your awareness beyond your body: become aware of sounds around you, layers of sound, different pitches, volumes, textures.

Only WE can choose to support one another.

Sincerely, Melinda Pearson