What is mindfulness and why should I care? -Jeanne Hehlen, MS, LMHC

Mindfulness is one of the buzzwords that you hear a lot. What is it and why should you
care?

If you look up the definition, you will see some version of the following: It is a state of
awareness in the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting your own
feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. We get caught up in the frenetic pace of life
and its demands. We can lose touch with ourselves and let circumstances control us.
We often don’t realize how our minds are zinging around without much direction,
feelings can be out of control and we don’t take care of our bodies. The good news is
that mindfulness can be used fairly easily, since we already know how to concentrate
to and focus on ourselves. We have the ability and capacity to do so. It is not about
change but to be aware of ourselves in the moment (a state of strength).

With this awareness and state of inner strength, we can focus our energy and
resiliency to affect our lives and positive ways and look at problems differently.
Mindfulness can reduce stress, anxiety and negativity and increase concentration and
how we respond. There are options to improve this skill. Some people use meditation,
yoga, or reading about it in articles and newsletters. There are apps for almost
anything so you can do it on your own. Get in touch with yourself today.

Author

Janelle Adams, MA, LMFT, ATR Janelle Adams, MA, LMFT, ATR, offers her extensive expertise to help people of all ages from all walks of life to lead happy, balanced lives. Through her work at In Touch Counseling Services in Vancouver, Washington, she delivers care and treatment designed to address mental health disorders, relationship challenges, physical health problems, and more. Janelle takes a holistic, integrative approach with each person she sees at In Touch Counseling Services. She knows that each individual’s experiences and difficulties are unique. She blends a variety of treatments — including ancient treatments like acupuncture and leading-edge approaches like Alpha-Stim® cranial electrotherapy stimulation — based on the individual’s specific needs and preferences. As a registered art therapist (ATR) and licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), Janelle can draw on her extensive experience to help each patient.