What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness simply means paying attention to the present moment.
Mindfulness means to pay attention in a way that is simply noticing what’s here – sensations, sounds, thoughts, feelings, whatever may be arising in the field of attention.
Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to what is happening in the present with intention.
And by focusing on our experiences in the present, from moment to moment, we come to realize that we are free to choose which thoughts and feelings to pay attention to. This is mindful awareness.
Mindfulness is not a new concept. It is a foundational teaching of Buddhism and is just one facet of a larger therapeutic framework known as the three higher trainings, attributed to the Buddha (550 BCE). The three higher trainings being ethics, meditation, and wisdom which is a complete therapeutic system designed to create freedom and happiness. (M.Neale, 2011).
What is new, is the understanding of how practicing mindfulness changes the brain. For example, frontal lobe activity is increased, leading to enhanced awareness and mood regulation, amygdala volume is decreased which leads to a reduction in perceived stress and the insula is strengthened which facilitates compassion. This increased neural integration allows for improved problem-solving and self-regulation skills, and an ability to adapt to new and stressful situations more easily (D. Siegel 2020).
What is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy is an evidenced-based modality that uses nature-based approaches to improve mental health and well-being.
Ecotherapy takes place with the guidance of a trained professional typically in nature-based settings either in groups or one on one.
Mindfulness-Based Ecotherapy combines the tools of mindfulness and ecotherapy to focus on the natural world around us. We learn to engage in being mode rather than doing mode and to observe the magic of nature.
Mindfulness-Based Ecotherapy is about learning a new way of being in the world. We learn to use nature as metaphor for slowing down, and living more consciously. And we open up to a direct experience of True Self. Nature creates this opportunity for deep connection and healing.
One on One sessions currently being offered in North Toronto. Please reach out for more information.