An alternative way to do simple mindfulness (Part 2)
Following on from part 1, I want to introduce you to more ways to do simple mindfulness.
1. Tuning into sounds
The hum of a gan, tickeing of a cloack, the round of rain on the window, voices outside the room. Realing tuning in ot hte volume, pitch and noticing if there’s a rthythmic quality to the sound.
2. Experimenting with taste
Using a small pleasant tasting boiled sweet, chocolate melting int he mouth or taking a few sips of water. Noticing the flavour, physical sensations and returning the attention when it wanders.
3. Smell
Simply light a scented candle where your like the smell or inhale the sent of your favourite essential oil by placing a drop on a tissue.
4. Hold an object in your hands
A pebble, wooden bead pen, cup etc any everyday object. Focus your attention in to notice the temperature, the texture (roughness/smoothness), the shape and how it feels. Experiment with your eyes start with open and then notice the difference if you close your eyes.
Remember mindfulness is about training the mind, so you don’t need to use breath as your anchor be creative, be kind to yourself and start simple with 30 seconds and build up the time slowly and gradually – its a practice not a race!
Related Posts

Bates Method – Part 2
In Part 1, I introduced the Bates Method. It was created as result of over three decades of clinic practice as an ophthalmologist. It is based on the theory that errors of focusing are temporary abnormalities which, due to the inability of the eyeball to change shape and when exposed to the healing powers of the body, can be reduced in severity or eliminated. While conventional wisdom is based on the work of Hermann von Helmholtz states that errors of focusing are due to the inability of the lens to change shape. Dr W H Bates postulated that focusing problems where the result of strain, either emotional or due to “trying” to see. The logical anti-dote to strain is rest, hence he developed palming a technique for resting the eyes. As I know lots of my readers spend long ours in front of computer screens which can strain the eyes. I wanted to share with you this simple version of palming.
- Cover your eyes with your cupped palms.
- Add a pillow under your elbows if more height is need to keep your back relaxed and straight.
- Breathe deeply while you palm for a few minutes.

Tai Chi and Chronic Pain
Tai chi is a ancient chinese mind-body exercise that is low impact, that is like a moving meditation. You move in slow-motion to stretch and strengthen muscles. The phyisical benefits of Tai Chi are that it improves balance, flexibility, coordination, muscle strenght and stamina hence why some people think it helps them stay young. On the mental side, Tai Chi helps releive stress, improves body awareness and when done in a group setting reduces social isolation. Some recent research shows Tai Chi can help benefit people with ongoing painful conditions suchs as
- osteoarthritis
- fibromyalgia
- rheumatoid arthritis
- tension headaches
- less pain
- fewer depresession symptoms
- better sleep

Do you go home being mentally exhausted but physically full of beans?
I know when I worked in IT I would often leave the office mentally very tired and depending upon how trying the day had been somtimes I was just mentally exhausted but often I was not physically tired. The simplest solution to this conundrum is to go down the gym and burn of the excess physical energy and going to the gym also helps to switch off from work. However there are times when we are injured or feeling run down when this is not possible, so then what can you do? Recently I have seen a few people in clinic who are in this situation. This means they are stuggling to switch off from work and relax. So I wanted to share a few tips on how to handle this if it happens to you. Depending upon the injury you can:
- Start taking the stairs at work - even if you can't walk up all the flights of stairs for example if you are based on the top floor, you can walk up some flights and take the lift for the rest.
- Go swimming instead of going to the gym.
- Get of the train or tube one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way (this obviously depends upon your commute).
- Go for a walk in park or any type of greenery.
- A lot of museams in London have a late night opening, so why not go walk around a museam.
- If you have a garden, do some gardening.

