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4 Exercises to Develop Mindfulness
Carefully designed by a German psychiatrist
Mindfulness — the word conjures up an image of perfect health: a smiling, cross-legged practicioner who, as research show us, benefits from decreased blood pressure and improved tolerance to stress, all thanks to this ancient Eastern practice.
But our proverbial practitioner earns more than just the physiological benefits of his practice. Aside from being a way to improve our mood and health, mindfulness is also the vehicle for our personal growth. Being mindful gets us in touch with higher levels of awareness, leading us to new experiences which facilitate our development.
How can we benefit from the self-transformative effects of mindfulness? Look no further than the following four exercises, developed by the German psychoanalyst Fritz Perls in his book Gestalt Therapy.
Exercise 1: Feeling the Actual
“Sit in a comfortable position, allowing your gaze to rest in front of you. Begin speaking, in your internal monologue, sentences which begin with the phrase ‘Now I’m aware of…’, describing anything that comes to your attention”
“Now I’m aware of this cup in front of me. Now I’m aware that it’s green. Now I’m aware of…
