"When I look back, I believe my mindfulness practice did me some good in terms of boosting my immune system. So, mindfulness meditation (and NOT medications) helped me to recover naturally from this common illness (flu) which I used to get frequently."
I am a final year master trainee in psychiatry and I attended the 6-week MINDFULGym workshop as part of my elective posting. The reason I chose this workshop is because I was curious with mindfulness practices and its benefits, and decided to undertake it myself to experience this practice.The workshop has taught me a lot of things that I usually unaware of. Now, I am more aware of the effect of stress on myself. Even though I knew that I was experiencing stress, I was not fully aware of what it did to my mind and body.
By practicing mindfulness, I am able to recognize the stress reactions in my mind and body. I have become more aware of the effect of
stress on my mind (unfocused thoughts) and body (tension in my neck), and
employ the various MINDFULGym tools to help alleviate these symptoms.
Although previously I was aware of stress, I dealt with it in a way which lacks self-kindness. For instance, when I was stressed out, I would compulsively keep myself busy by
thinking more or harder, assuming that this would solve all my problems. This resulted in more stress, self-criticism, and low self-esteem whenever
I fall short of ideas to resolve my problems. By practising mindfulness, I am able to bring
more care and attention to my mind/body and want to treat it better for health.
I realized that in the month that I started practicing
mindfulness, I became less sick with flu and sore throat, especially during the
haze season. I did get two attacks of sore throat. But unlike my usual sore
throat experience, which would require antibiotics and lasts for a week, this
time it resolved within two days - without antibiotics. I usually had to go on an antibiotic course to prevent
laryngitis and loosing my voice. I was also less feverish and did not require vitamin C prophylaxis. When I
look back, I believe my mindfulness practice did me some good in terms of boosting my
immune system. So, mindfulness meditation (and NOT medications) helped me to recover naturally
from this common illness (flu) which I used to get frequently.
"The workshop has taught me a lot of things that I usually unaware of. Now, I am more aware of the effect of stress on myself. Even though I knew that I was experiencing stress, I was not fully aware of what it did to my mind and body."
In sum, I am very glad to have found a practice to help me
cope with stress in my life. Otherwise, I would have submitted myself to
frequently being sick with the common cold. I especially appreciate the “being kind to yourself” part of mindfulness training (instead of being self-critical). I realized that I am the hardest critic of
myself, and this is not helpful at all for my self-esteem and problem solving ability.
Another thing which I like about the program is the brevity and simplicity of the practice in mindfulness. This is important for me as I have short attention span and busy daily schedule. For me, it is the small micro steps, instead of big steps, that I appreciate to bring about positive changes in my lifestyle.
Thank you for the opportunity to join this wonderful programme.
Another thing which I like about the program is the brevity and simplicity of the practice in mindfulness. This is important for me as I have short attention span and busy daily schedule. For me, it is the small micro steps, instead of big steps, that I appreciate to bring about positive changes in my lifestyle.
Thank you for the opportunity to join this wonderful programme.
