Australian Institute of Applied Mindfulness

Is our anxiety caused by factors in our life, or generated through the lens of our own stories?
We all experience anxiety sometimes. It can make us feel crazy. Ultimately, if we practice mindfulness meditation the anxiety often dissipates. In reality however, meditating is sometimes too far of a stretch from where we are, and we need to be mindful of what is needed.
I use two conceptual models that give a cognitive understanding of what might be happening. These maps are both informative, and over time, allow the mind to settle enough to start to meditate and build greater ongoing calm, stability of mind and resilience.
To read the full article where I discuss the two models, click on this link: https://www.theaiam.com.au/a-mindful-way-through-anxiety-2/

Based on our genetic makeup and vulnerability to anxiety, the build up of stress from any of these four areas, physical, biochemical, social and psychological, can accumulate until we feel anxiety. Once we experience anxiety, we either recognise and address it, or it builds and builds until eventually we have anxiety or panic attacks, get overwhelmed and eventually feel the despair of burnout or depression.

I use two conceptual models that give a cognitive understanding of what might be happening. These maps are both informative, and over time, allow the mind to settle enough to start to meditate and build greater ongoing calm, stability of mind and resilience.

THE FIRST MODEL shows the four main areas that can cause stress.
Physical – Health problems, exercise, sleep
Biochemical – Brain chemistry, hormones, toxins, substance abuse
Social – Relationships, work, finances, leisure, domestic life
Psychological – Personality, self talk, emotions, identity, beliefs, values, passions, purpose, character.

THE SECOND MODEL comes from the Eastern traditions and is about the Two Truths.
Absolute truth – ultimate picture – wisdom
Relative truth – mundane world – compassion

It is about recognising that we see things in different ways at different times. In moments of clarity we recognise that all is well, that people are as they are, that we are as we are, that unpleasant moments pass, and pleasant moments pass. And we are calm and clear.

Meditation will often calm us and allow us to regain perspective (clarity and wisdom) sometimes it is kind and wise to also give the mind information to hold on to, to understand and trust before it lets itself rest and soften into meditation.

Mindfulness brings a sense of kindness to ourselves and others. As we focus in the present moment we stop getting lost in thoughts of the past and worries about the future. The more we practice simply coming into the present moment, calm our selves and reconnect to a sense of peace, the more we respond rather than react. We learn how to deal with life on its own terms.

You are invited to join us online for this special event for Mental Health Awareness Month.

About your instructor:
Liana Taylor is a Clinical Psychologist, Mindfulness Expert and Director of Training at the Australian Institute of Applied Mindfulness.

To register for the online Seminar “Mindfulness for Mental Health” - click on the event details below:
https://www.theaiam.com.au/courses/mindfulness-for-mental-health/

I have worked with many people in designated positions of leadership or public influence, including world-stage musicians, CEO’s of large organisations, and politicians, all of whom do identify with being a leader and yet are not always leading or are not leading wisely.

Leadership is the transference of hope.

In leadership, we are transferring hope, with the intent to influence and ultimately the invitation to greatness in ourselves and in others. Leaders of all occupations train in mindfulness meditation for an assortment of reasons, mostly to stay calmer and more focused in their leadership, dealing elegantly with people without losing the “edge” that makes them successful.

“75% of careers derail due to lack of EI: inability to handle interpersonal problems; unsatisfactory team leadership during difficulty or conflict; inability to adapt to change or elicit trust" – Center for Creative Leadership.

Leadership requires a bigger vision and requires us to recognise that others are depending on us, expectant, projecting and hanging out their hopes and fears. The pursuit of mindfulness in leadership helps you clarify what is important to you and achieve a deeper understanding of the world around you, and therefore how to navigate it.

Over time, Mindfulness cultivates your ability to access your innate wisdom and leadership qualities at will, through this access to deep and honest insight. And people trust – and follow – those who are real, consistent, and whose behaviour, values and beliefs are aligned.

We invite you to join Liana Taylor, Clinical Psychologist, Mindfulness Expert and Director of Training at the Australian Institute of Applied Mindfulness an upcoming online seminar designed especially for Leaders to come into the present moment, calm your self and reconnect to a sense of peace allowing you a greater capacity to respond rather than react.

To register for “Mindfulness for Leaders”- click on the link: https://fb.me/e/HCdIG1bn

For a leader, deep and honest self-awareness leads to greater internal and external clarity, helping you build skills to accurately decipher what you think and feel, and how to find positive ways forward in life, and leadership.

We invite you to join Liana Taylor, Clinical Psychologist, Mindfulness Expert and Director of Training at the Australian Institute of Applied Mindfulness in this upcoming online seminar “Mindfulness for Leaders”.

Designed for complete beginners to experienced meditators, you will learn new skills to relax and quieten the chatter of the mind.

To register - click on the event details below:
https://fb.me/e/HCdIG1bn

Music and Mindfulness May Help Cut Mental Fatigue

Music and Mindfulness May Help Cut Mental Fatigue A new study shows that an on-the-spot music-intervention and 4 weeks of daily mindfulness training can reduce the effect of mental fatigue.