The Science of Happiness

Definition of the Mind & BrainWhat is Mindfulness?Why do we need Mindfulness?Stress Benefits of MindfulnessNeuroplasticityGuided Mindfulness practiceQ & A

OVERVIEW

MIND & BRAIN Dr. Dan Siegel, author of the Mindful Therapist (2010) and Mindsight (2011) describes: Brain: The extended part of the nervous system distributed throughout the whole body that is the physical mechanism of energy and information flow.Mind: Embodied and relational (including self) process that regulates the flow of energy and information.

MINDSIGHT - 3 DIMENSIONSPhysical structure of energy and information flow BrainSharing and exchange of energy and information flow - RelationshipsRegulation of the energy and information flow Mind

WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?

MIND WANDERINGStudy of 15,000 people by Matt Killingsworth:47% of the time we are thinking something else than what we are currently doingStrong relationship between mind-wandering now and being unhappy a short time later

DEFINITION

WHY DO WE NEED MINDFULNESS?

WHY DO WE NEED MINDFULNESS?Blaise Pascal, 17th century French philosopher: All mens miseries derive from not being able sit in a quiet room aloneDr. Richard Davidson: Our brains are constantly being shaped, wittingly or unwittinglymostly unwittingly. We tend to be pawns of the forces around us. Our work, bycontrast, is inviting us all to actually take more responsibility for our minds and our brains.Study by Wilson (et.al. 2014): - 67% of men self-administered shocks- 25% of women self-administered shocks

WHY DO WE NEED MINDFULNESS?

CHALLENGESHuge decline in our attention spanHard to connect and communicate with each other (including clients) with fragmented attention Information overload & fast pace livingAnxiety, stress and burnoutSleep deprivation & exhaustion

PRACTICE: MINDFUL CONNECTION

STRESS

STRESS RESPONSE IN THE BRAIN

REACT OR RESPONDBetween the stimulus and response, there is a space and in that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response Viktor Frankl

PRACTICE: FUSION & DEFUSION

STRESS MANAGEMENT

VIDEO: MINDFULNESS & BRAIN (NEUROPLASTICITY)

BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESSClinical research shows effectiveness of mindfulness in:Reducing psychological stress, anxiety, depression and pain (Goyal et.al. 2014; Hofmann et.al. 2010)Enhancing cognitive performance (concentration & memory) & emotional intelligenceImproving emotion regulation (Arch & Craske, 2006)Slowing down the ageing process by repairing telomeres (Blackburn et.al. 2015)Increasing resilience and self-awarenessImproving relationships, happiness & overall well-being

RELEVANCE FOR MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERSMindfulness training for psychotherapists has a positive impact on the treatment results of their clients (Grepmair, et.al,2007)Dr. Dan Siegel: Presence of the therapist to be available to relate to the internal world of the client is the most important aspect of healingMindfulness therapy (MBCT) works as well as anti-depressant drugs (Kuyken et.al. 2016)

MINDFUL THERAPIES

ACT DBTMBSRMBCTGESTALT

MULTITASKING

EFFECTIVE ATTENTION SWITCHINGResearch: Our brains can focus on 1 thing at a timeSimple versus Complex Multitasking Multitasking increases stress, fatigue and reduces performanceEffective attention switching: Doing one thing at a time with full attention and presence

PRACTICE MINDFUL MOVEMENT

GUIDED MEDITATION

TIPSKindness and CompassionPatienceSuccess / Failure non-strivingAcceptanceDont worry about the wandering mindKeep practicing Mindfulness

consciousbeginnings.com.aumeetup.com/West-End-Mindfulness-CirclePresentation online

FINAL WORDSDo you have the patience to waitTill your mud settles and the water is clear?Can you remain unmovingTill the right action arises by itself - Lao Tzu