Gentle Mindfulness Practice
by: Dr. Brandon Nappi
What are you doing to care for your heart in these tumultuous moments? For many of us, these intense times have activated old wounds, difficult memories, past traumas still in need of care and healing. While mindfulness can be a powerful way of working with trauma, the standard instruction to focus on the breath might feel overwhelming, unsafe, or even triggering. In mindfulness, there are infinite ways of practicing that do not involve the breath that can be especially supportive for those who have a history of trauma. One simple practice that our mindfulness facilitators often share is the practice of paying attention to the senses. Like following the breath in formal meditation, noticing with the senses is a very helpful way of directing attention to the present moment. Working with your senses will always bring you back to the present moment. When we can feel anything and everything that the senses make available, then we are free.
Mindfulness is a practice of intimacy with your direct experience and with life itself. Sometimes, trauma can overwhelm the body’s capacity to manage the sensations and emotions that arise. So, if you are experiencing a memory of trauma in your mindfulness practice that is too intense, remember that it’s always OK to take a break from your practice and return to it when you are ready. This stepping away can be a powerful moment of self-care. Trusting your own intuition and your own need for a pause is such a gift! You can also seek support from a friend, a therapist, a mindfulness teacher, or practice some other form of self-care until the nervous system is more regulated. Our community of practice here at Copper Beech Institute is always happy to lend support.
On May 11, Copper Beech Institute hosted a free workshop entitled “Deep Breathing and Working with Trauma.” This session explored how our bodies respond to traumatic experiences and practiced the art of letting go through mindful breathing. Watch this session on our YouTube Channel below:
Dr. Brandon Nappi is a spiritual teacher, speaker, and writer who passionately believes in the capacity of the human spirit to awaken. Inspired by the common wisdom of the world’s spiritual traditions, he has dedicated his life’s work to sharing the transformative power of mindfulness practice. He founded Copper Beech Institute in 2014 and is the institute’s executive director.
Did you know?
Did you know that people who have gone through a trauma are three times as likely to experience depression? Our national affiliate, Mental Health America, as put together an informative site on adapting after trauma and stress. Check out their tips for healing at https://mhanational.org/adapting-after-trauma-and-stress
