Woman to Women
Oh, Look. There Goes That Brutal Phobia of Mine...
Mindfulness Meditation and Psychotherapy
-Tracy Morris
Meditation: a loaded word. For many, it conjures up images of turban-wrapped heads balanced statue-like on unnaturally erect spines, mouths forming "Ooooohm," and of course, the sitting legs crossed in - what was that politically incorrect phrase we learned in Kindergarten? Oh yes, "Indian style."
The New York Times brings to our attention the growing use of mindfulness meditation by psychotherapists. Why look, there's a graphic of a professor-ish man (perhaps meant to resemble the article's author?) assuming the pose that pops into our minds... And we're back. And breathe in...
Along with a quick history of how centuries-old teachings by Siddhartha Gautama (aka the Buddha) have been retro-fitted for our crazy modern experience, and some particulars on mindfulness meditation's use as a monkey wrench for depression, the article even gives a one-paragraph how-to, suitable for copying and emailing to all of your friends who might benefit from a non-chemically-induced attitude adjustment. Which brings to mind a host of visions from days past and friends' faces wafting by... And breathe out.
As positive as this article is on this specific form of "Be Here Now" meditation (as opposed to other, more escapist versions that may look the same from the outside onlooker's perspective), the author also balances with worries about trendiness and guru-ism. He cites at least one study that concluded folks who've managed to get through life with only two or fewer bouts of depression might actually be more prone to further episodes after being focused and mindful awhile. Apparently meditation's results are far better for the more severely and chronically depressed. I wonder if the connection has something to do with how exhausted someone's finally become after extended or frequent depressive periods... And digression done. Breathe in.
