“Mindfulness brings us back to life, because life can

only be found and touched in the present moment”          

- Thich Nhat Hahn

Mindfulness is a meditation practice that is rooted in tradition over 2500 years old, but is also quite relevant in today’s hectic world.  Mindfulness has been described by many, but the simple and direct teaching of the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thick Nhat Hahn¹ has something to offer those new and old to the practice.  Thich Nhat Hahn describes mindfulness as “the capacity of being aware of what is happening in the present moment.”  He goes on to say that we all have the ability to be mindful, as we are always paying attention to something, either inside ourselves  or outside ourselves. When we consistently and gently bring our attention back to the present moment, we begin to practice mindfulness.

Research has shown that mindfulness practice can not only quiet and calm the mind, it can also lead to health benefits such as improved immune functioning². So while your loved one is on the road to recovery for an eating disorder, consider letting yourself be cared for as well in a supportive group environment that will enhance your physical and mental well-being at the same time!  

The Center for Eating Disorders is excited to announce that Dr. Jeanne Serafin, a psychiatrist in our outpatient department, will be offering a new mindfulness-based group, developed specifically for families and caretakers of individuals with eating disorders.  The Mindfulness-Based Multifamily Group Therapy Program, will be offered on Thursday evenings from 6:15-7:45 pm, and it will be covered by most insurance carriers accepted at the Center.  The group, which will begin in February 2009, is an eight-week, structured family group that will help caretakers feel less isolated, learn skills to help decrease their own stress and negative thinking and help families get back on track as their loved ones improve with treatment.

In addition to the ongoing group, Dr. Serafin will also be providing an open workshop on Mindfulness-Based techniques for families and caregivers of individuals with eating disorders on February 26^th, 2009 during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.  Visit our Events page to find out how to register for this free workshop.

Still not sure what mindfulness is all about? Try this brief experiential practice: 

1. Find a quiet place

2. Close your eyes

3. Allow yourself to concentrate on and follow your breath all the way in and all the way out.

4. Each time your mind wanders (and it will wander) return to focusing on your breath.

5. Try that for a few breaths.  If it helps you may count slowly as you watch the breath move in and out, (in) 1-2-3-4, (out) 1-2-3-4, or you can silently say to yourself “in/out” or “deep/relaxed”.

6. Pay attention to the breath, don’t try to change it. Does the number you count as the breath moves in and out vary? Watch and see. 

Use your own judgment to determine the best method for you in trying this introductory exercise.  Experiment with this little “practice” several times a day for a few days and see what you experience.  Be aware, mindfulness is a practice, the benefits of which are seen and felt over time with continued use of the techniques.

For more information about the mindfulness programs at The Center for Eating Disorders or if you’d like to inquire about joining the Mindfulness-Based Multifamily Group Therapy Program, please contact Dr. Jeanne Serafin at 410-427-3873 or send an email to mindfulness@sheppardpratt.org.

References

¹ Thich Nhat Hahn, http://www.plumvillage.org/

² Davidson, et. Al, (2002), Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation

Above photo courtesy of www.earthheartfarm.com