Mindfulness is no longer the “fluffy" stuff of treatment. Research has shown that mindfulness can enhance affect regulation, increase response flexibility and improve tension tolerance among other things. We teach mindfulness at Monte Nido and Affiliates. Below a couple of Mindfulness Agreements from some of our clients:
Mindfulness Agreement
I now realize I always have a choice - a choice of how I will respond to my circumstances in any moment, if I can stay present enough to be aware of them.
I choose how I will live my life: what my work is, who I am in relationships with, what I value and give my time to. That is a very empowering idea - even though in it I am responsible and accountable.
I now have the knowledge that if it is not possible to live a mindful life in my present circumstances, then I have to change them.
I now want to notice my physical circumstances - my physical self interacting with the earth - more often. To appreciate the smells and tastes - to appreciate my body - It's all what my mind makes of it. I choose to no longer search for ways to be miserable. I deserve to be happy, and my soul desires happiness.
Mindfulness Agreement
In my old, mostly eating disorder self I could have never imagined that I would have the ability to be mindful.
I was so wrapped up in my food, exercise and rigid daily life that there was no room for all that encompasses mindfulness: openness, acceptance, non-judgment, and being present. Yet, I am sitting here today with the ability to be open, accepting, non- judgmental, present.
Therefore I agree to be mindful, to keep practicing bringing myself back to the present, to be open and flexible, to not judge and accept others but especially myself (the hardest person to do this with). I don't ever foresee myself as meditating on a daily basis but I can see myself practicing mindfulness ... to most of all, set aside all of my eating disorder thoughts and behaviors so that I can experience joy and live my life!
