Mindfulness and Meditation

With mindful meditation practices at a designated facility, you will be guided through the course of your meditation. You will learn how to manage stress, anxiety, and emotions, as you listen to someone tell you things like being aware of the temperature in the room, then being aware of your thoughts, where you might be holding tension in your face or hands.

In guided meditation, your instructor might have you pick an affirmation, the first thing that comes into your head. On some days when your mental health is improving, your affirmation might be as simple as "I am strong." On other days when you participate in group sessions, you might think, "I am loved," and when you are struggling, your affirmation might be as simple as "I am trying."

Tai chi, for example, was originally designed as a form of moving meditation. You are conducting light movements during this practice and linking them with inhalations and exhalations, focusing on your breathing, your movement, and holding your poses. In this form of meditation, you are still reaping all of the mental benefits without sitting on the ground.

Other popular forms of meditation include walking meditation. Walking meditation can be done inside or outside and follows a regular path. as you let your footsteps fall, you focus on a phrase, a chant, or your breathing.

In some cases, you might participate in a Tennessee mindfulness and meditation therapy where you sit still. However, your position doesn't have to be the quintessential image of a monk sitting with legs crossed. If it's more comfortable, you can sit with your legs in front of you, sit on a chair, or lie down. Your practice might look different from one session to the next, depending on how you feel mentally and physically.

You don't have to close your eyes to utilize meditation and mindfulness. Closing your eyes helps you focus on your internal state and emotions, but you might find it easier to meditate outside by looking at a beautiful vista with your eyes open during an outdoor therapy session.

Tip: the more you practice mindfulness and meditation in all of its varieties, the sooner you'll be able to find a style that works best for you and apply it to your daily life outside of treatment. You might prefer eating meditation if you have a busy day where you are mindful of all aspects of the food you consume, driving meditation, especially if you have a long commute, or traditional meditation, where you focus on a prayer that aligns with your religion.