First Mindfulness Group

[Jane_Doe2018]

Hey everyone, I hope you are all having a peaceful day

I attended my first mindfulness group and it was fun. I actually had fun! I haven't said that about anything in a while. It was a 45 minute session in a dimly lit room. The room was small and I felt like turning around when I first went in, but I stayed and I am so glad that I did. We introduced ourselves and it felt like a mix between group therapy and meditation. We practiced guided meditation/visualization. It was truly something I have never experienced before and I am excited for my next group in two weeks! I felt so calm, actually at peace during that time. I have felt the most relaxed today than what I have felt in a very long time. It feels like I am getting my emotions back- I had fun, I felt peace, I'm looking forward to my next group. Even if it is only temporary, I am happy today. I. am. happy. today. Four words that haven't been genuinely thought or spoken lately. Remember, go at your own pace and take things one day at a time <3

Have any of you attended a mindfulness group in person? If so, what was it like for you? Or, are mindfulness apps preferred?

[tamka38]

I just do mindfulness on you You Tube

[Jane_Doe2018 in reply to tamka38]

tamka, thank you- I hardly ever get on YouTube and would've never thought of it had you not posted

[Strongest123]

Hello. That sounds great! How did you find this mindfulness group? It would love to find one in my area. Samson

[Jane_Doe2018 in reply to Strongest123]

Hey Samson It was awesome! I saw a flyer for it in my psychiatrist's office and asked about it. She referred me to it and it is actually in the same building that I go to my therapy appointments, just on the other side of the building. Turns out, one of the doctors does this every two weeks for free!! The catch is that it fills up quickly, but I went on ahead and booked up two more appointments, 1 more this month, then 1 in December.

If you see a therapist/doctor, maybe ask them about any resources that may be available to you? Or try to search it on the internet if you haven't done so already. I haven't had any luck until I saw the flyer a month ago. I live in a small town that nothing really happens in and am very happy and grateful to be apart of the mindfulness group. It's different when you have human interactions, although I still use the headspace app.

Sidenote: I have had a difficult time finding in person groups, so I am apart of DBSA- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, and attend online group meetings. There are TONS of other group meeting topics besides depression and bipolar disorder. Most of the meetings are free, some cost, but I stick to the free meetings.

I hope this helps!

[aaronm]

I haven't ever been to one but these are some good ideas. I've tried to find a local one but no luck. Ill do some research about some internet groups.

[Jane_Doe2018 in reply to aaronm]

Hey aaronm, I hope you find a good group/groups!

[JEG325]

I'm proud of you, happy for you and amazed. Mostly, I'm happy that your happy! New things can be amazing and fun. 100 kazillion hugs for being so smart & action orientated. Have a blessed day!!

[Jane_Doe2018 in reply to JEG325]

Thank you so much JEG

[teemo1]

Great idea! I've only used Headspace but I googled this and found a local mindfulness "nature-based hiking therapy" group that meets on the second Saturday of each month. I'm going to look into it. Thanks!

[Jane_Doe2018 in reply to teemo1]

Hey teemo, that's a cool find. That sounds like a lot of fun. I wish you the best of luck in that and please let me know how it goes

[Hidden in reply to teemo1]

Please tell me more about Headspace. Thanks much!

[teemo1 in reply to Hidden]

Headspace is an app that provides guided mindful meditations. You start by learning the basics of meditation, and then you can choose a series related to all kinds of different topics: managing anxiety, acceptance, letting go of stress, kindness, etc. I recommend trying it!

[Hidden in reply to teemo1]

Sounds a lot like Calm Hope you are well. Thank you.

[Dreamie in reply to teemo1]

That sounds right up my alley....mindfulness and nature. Let us know about it if you attend.

[Florida1959]

Fantastic news, I haven’t been in person, have been to meditation though, good energy when there’s a few of you, I use you tube fir morning and evening meditations now xxx

[Andrew22]

Sounds wonderful, Jane-Doe2018! As a mindfulness instructor and trainer, everything you said makes sense as it echoes what a lot of people say about this practice once they are introduced to it. If you'd like to read up on the health benefits of mindfulness, there are links to some great articles in the "Mindfulness Library" on my web site (safermindfulness.com), some cool videos (see "Resources" in navigation), and my book, Anxiety, Stress & Mindfulness: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Wellness.

[Jane_Doe2018 in reply to Andrew22]

It truly was, Andrew22. I am glad to hear what I shared makes sense and is a common experience that others have. Thank you for sharing those links- I am definitely interested in learning more about mindfulness. Thanks again for your post

[Hidden in reply to Andrew22]

Thank you!

[Hidden]

Hi.

I completed a 12 week mindfulness course some time ago...prior to me struggling more in groups..I’m glad I was able to attend. 😊

I enjoyed it...

The mindfulness concept is quite simple really and initially I was thinking ‘oh this doesn’t work for me’ I think we tend to think of wanting a quick fix ...and forget our minds have had many years of doing what they do, ie ruminating and getting anxious...our minds naturally wander away...so although I enjoyed the course I kinda felt it didn’t work for me....but I kept trying it out..meditating in the evenings, being mindful...I persevered with my wandering mind....and kept bringing it back to the mindfulness exercise...the perseverance was so worth it, I now practise mindfulness often, I love it and it can give me peace...😊

I’m so glad you are involved in practising it and that your enjoying the group ..🌺🌺🌺

[Jane_Doe2018 in reply to Hidden]

Wow, yes, way to go on sticking with it Thank you, and I appreciate you for sharing your experience with me. I agree that we want the instant benefits, but the reality is that it takes time and practice to master any skill. I have to occasionally remind myself of that because it can be easy to get wrapped up in the frustrations of wanting it to happen now. I am still in the beginning stages, but I plan to perservere as you did because I believe that it can help. Hearing stories, including yours, of how it has helped keeps me focused on what my goals are.

[Hidden in reply to Jane_Doe2018]

Yes for sure, stick at it..it’s a wonderful concept !

Meditation helps me to get to sleep at night, it’s been a life saver 😊 because without sleep I get so unwell ...

Best wishes 🌺🌺🌺

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Good for you. You give me hope. I do not typically have trouble sleeping, but can get anxious thoughts after noon....later in day. I must keep trying. Thanks.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Happy to hear about your mindfulness success. I am trying! Also, how can I be sure my posts only go to the community? You had a tip, but I cannot find it. Thanks

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi

When you write a post at the bottom of the post when you scroll down it says community only or everyone....

Tick the box for ‘community only’

You can check it out even if your not writing a post ..click on write and you will see the details at the bottom..

Also you can lock posts you have already composed on here ..I believe via the edit button, certainly somewhere on your post if you go into your profile any posts you have compiled are there....

Good wishes x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Sorry, but I am not understanding how to tell if somebody else's post is going beyond the community. I only want to stay in the community. Thanks again.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

If you look at posts they are locked if they have a lock underneath the title , some have a lock some don’t , the ones with a small lock icon only go to the community...

My posts all have locks underneath the title as I lock them all to only the community here....

If you need to know more private message me and I will try to help x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Ok. So if there is a lock icon, it is a locked post. Also, I can lock mine by editing my profile. Thanks again.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes that’s correct ..this post doesn’t have a lock for example..the black lock icon you would see top of page near user name and under the title 😊

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

So.... what I am writing now can go outside the community, right?

[Pat9]

Pleased you found it helpful I love it nothing better in my mind

Try downloading the app called Headspace it’s brilliant very good.

Good luck in your journey 🙂xx

[Jane_Doe2018 in reply to Pat9]

Thank you so much, Pat 😊

[Pat9 in reply to Jane_Doe2018]

your welcome xx