211. What's Holding you Back from Being Mindful?

Do you think you don't practice mindfulness "right?" Are you concerned about not being able to "clear your mind?" Does your inability to practice mindfulness the way you think you should make you feel anxious, guilty, or like a failure? Do you have a list of reasons why you think mindfulness doesn't work for you?    This episode addresses all of these questions and more.   Mindfulness is accessible to anyone, anytime, anywhere, doing or not doing anything at all.  Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, and aware of where we are and what we're doing, while not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what's going on around us. The media has made mindfulness sound complicated. Experts throw out lots of ways to practice that are "right."  We know you can get huge benefits from mindfulness without being fancy.  It can be as simple as pausing and being present. Slowing down enough to notice. Remembering to breathe.  Just like becoming more physically fit, exercise, repetition, and practice are needed. Mindfulness is exercise for the brain. It enables our minds and bodies to be together at the same place and the same time. Mindfulness has been shown in studies to help reduce burnout, but it doesn't heal or prevent burnout alone. You can't meditate your way through the practice of medicine today. Medicine is a mess. Physicians and other providers are not the problem.  Mindfulness is a tool to help us function in an inadequate, often harmful system. It is not a replacement for reasonable expectations of responsibilities, appropriate time to meet them, and resources Mindfulness is synergistic with mindset work (AKA coaching) and self-compassion practices. Together they can help you work within the system, if you want to, until it gets fixed. They help you be healthy enough to take care of yourself and advocate for yourself well despite the current situation. Move beyond consuming this podcast. True change happens when you work with us. We strongly encourage you to join us for the Mindful Healers Retreat Sept 6-8th 2024. You will learn all the tips and tricks to finally have a meaningful and impactful mindfulness practice. You will leave with "the lowest cortisol level you had in years."  www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats You can also work with Jessie individually on incorporating mindfulness into your life strategically and effectively. It is the antidote to so many of our trained negative thought patterns. Without it, coaching isn't nearly as effective. And the effects are not nearly as long-lasting.  If you have tried coaching before and not had the results you wanted, this is likely part of the reason. The other reason may be the coach. Reach out to me if you want to discuss whether we might be the right fit.  www.jessiemahoneymd.com Hire one or both of us to speak or lead a workshop on any topic covered in the Mindful Healers Podcast. We also create team retreats, teach yoga, and offer experiential mindfulness for teams, groups, grand rounds, institutions, and conferences. www.jessiemahoneymd.com/mindful-healers-podcast www.awakenbreath.org  www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking *Nothing shared in the Mindful Healers Podcast is medical advice.   #physicianwellness #mindfulnesscoach #pauseandpresence #physiciancoach