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Published: March 17, 2023, 4:30 a.m.

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Learning how to pay attention to your thoughts, feelings and experiences in a mindful way is the key to all the changes you wish to make.

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Many of us engage in activities that take us away from paying attention or noticing.

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Things like binge watching, gaming, reading, gambling, drinking, scrolling, eating.

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Any behaviour that takes us away from what you are feeling, thinking, experiencing may be helpful or not.

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There are two facts here:

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\\u2022 Increasing your awareness can be difficult and painful.

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\\u2022 Reducing your awareness can be isolating and life shrinking.

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With the first one \\u2013 it\\u2019s a caution that increased awareness needs to be monitored. So before diving into any mindfulness based program engage someone experienced who can act as a guide (like me ;) ).

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For most people, it\\u2019s worth it, because among the downsides to NOT increasing awareness is numbness, disconnection, denial, and a small life.

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To ease into it we're going to start with the practice of savouring.  Choosing something you love and giving it your full attention. Have yourself a tiny little experience.

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The first bite of something. Your morning coffee, A flower, the wind, a piece of music.

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1. Do just this one thing.

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2. Use your senses to fully experience this moment.

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You can record it in a journal or keep it as a visual memory.

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One reminder to engage in savouring, is if you feel the urge to take a take a photo of something, savour it first.

\\n\\n--- \\n\\nSend in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kim-ross-psychologist/message"