This week Ellen Haroutunian, therapist and spiritual director, shares some thoughts on how we can mindfully walk through this difficult season.
Questions for personal reflection or (preferably) discussion with someone else...
• In times of uncertainty and danger our automatic brain (the autonomic nervous system) and our (fight, flight or freeze response (amygdala) tend to go into overdrive. What does this looking like in your day to day behavior under when you are under stress?/
• Ellen calls the prefrontal cortex the “wise mind.” Can you tell the difference in yourself when you’re responding from this part of your brain? What does that look like? If not, what do you imagine would be different?
• The term “Mindfulness” is tossed around a lot today, but it simply means to bring your attention back to the present moment. Have you tried any of the practices Ellen suggests (noticing your breath, noticing beauty, noticing sounds, etc.) or could you imagine trying one? That could help you bring your attention back to the present moment?
• Have you noticed this fight or flight reaction in yourself that wants “action” and resists making time to rest, be mindful, and switch into the wise mind right now?
• What are some messages of self-compassion that you could give yourself right now?
