Ok, so I just completed a course of mindfulness meditation. The course lasted for 8 weeks with weekly sessions and I do recommend doing this sort of course even if you are healthy because it can also help with anxiety, stress, insomnia, and general well being. Alternatively, any meditation is good for you and won't hurt in the slightest. So if you don't want to commit to an 8 week course, that's cool. Maybe just try going to one open session. Some places may even provide for free.
Here's a little bit of information on mindfulness meditation.
Mindfulness meditation has been practised for centuries in the East. The benefits of this practise has now been recognised by the West, and, in particular, in certain medical settings for those with a chronic illness.
A chronic illness is for life. Learning strategies to emotionally manage the ups and downs of the illness can assist in recovery.
Learning strategies to manage stress encountered in day-to-day living has been shown through much research, to aid in the management of symptoms.
The program has demonstrated for many years, after rigorous evaluation, that ongoing practise, using Mindfulness Meditation as an anchor to Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, can be effective in the management of depression, anxiety, panic disorders, and, disordered eating: conditions which are often associated with trauma, chronic and gastrointestinal disorders.
Mindfulness-based program offers developing skills and knowledge, by direct experience and practise, to cultivate attitudes of:
- Patience
- Compassion for oneself
- Open-mindedness
- Gentle persistence
- Being in a different relationship with one's thoughts and feelings
