The Gift of Presence: Practical Steps to Cultivate Mindfulness
Episode Overview
Cultivating presence starts with being present with yourself. Classical spiritual disciplines like silence and solitude are essential. Meditative prayer involves listening rather than speaking. Sensory walks can help beginners practice mindfulness. Being present helps bring suppressed thoughts and emotions to the surface.
If you're just wanting to practice presence, a sensory walk is a good start.
Struggling with unwanted behaviours? The 'Relational Recovery' podcast is here to offer a beacon of hope and practical guidance. In this episode titled 'The Gift of Presence', hosts West Thompson and Austin Hill dive into the importance of being present with ourselves before we can be present with others. They share insights on how to cultivate this presence through classical spiritual disciplines like silence, solitude, meditative prayer, and meditative scripture reading.
These practices aren't just about sitting quietly; they help bring to the surface the thoughts and emotions we've been avoiding, allowing us to deal with them in a healthy way. The hosts discuss how these practices can initially be challenging but ultimately lead to a healthier, more centred life. They also introduce the concept of a sensory walk as a practical tool for beginners.
A sensory walk involves engaging your senses and being fully present in the moment, which can be incredibly soothing and grounding. Whether you're just starting your recovery journey or have been on it for a while, this episode offers valuable tools and insights to help you grow in your ability to be present. Tune in to learn how to incorporate these practices into your daily life and start your journey towards a more mindful and present self.