S1 E4 Simple MIndfulness Strategies for an Alcohol Free Life
In this episode, Jane and Amanda discuss the concept of mindfulness and its role in sobriety. They explore the practice of using the five senses to bring awareness to the present moment and how active listening can improve communication. They also differentiate between mindfulness and meditation, highlighting the benefits of both. The hosts share their favorite types of meditation, including Vipassana and guided meditation. They discuss the power of breath work and its ability to induce a state of relaxation. The conversation also delves into the spiritual aspect of mindfulness and sobriety, emphasizing the importance of living life on purpose and finding balance. The episode concludes with a discussion on healing from guilt and shame and the freedom that comes from sobriety.
Takeaways
Takeaways
- Mindfulness is about making contact with the present moment and getting out of rumination and worry.
- Using the five senses can help bring awareness to the present moment and promote mindfulness.
- Active listening is a powerful tool for effective communication and building authentic connections.
- Mindfulness and meditation are related but have distinct differences, with mindfulness being a way of living and meditation being a practice.
- Breath work, such as square breathing, can be a powerful form of meditation and relaxation.
- Living an alcohol-free lifestyle can lead to accessing alternate states of consciousness and experiencing meaningful moments.
- Living life on purpose involves being intentional about how time is spent and finding balance between personal and family life.
- Mindfulness and sobriety can have a spiritual aspect, allowing for a deeper connection with oneself and the present moment.
- Sobriety offers the opportunity to choose one's own path and create a personalized approach to recovery.
- Healing from guilt and shame is an important aspect of sobriety and can lead to greater freedom and self-acceptance.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Definition of Mindfulness
03:09 Using the Five Senses to Practice Mindfulness
08:43 The Power of Active Listening
10:38 Difference Between Mindfulness and Meditation
13:31 Types of Meditation
15:07 Breath Work as a Form of Meditation
18:43 Alcohol-Free Lifestyle and Accessing Alternate States of Consciousness
24:40 Living Life on Purpose and Balancing Personal and Family Life
28:30 The Spiritual Aspect of Mindfulness and Sobriety
35:13 Choosing Your Own Path in Sobriety
39:42 Healing from Guilt and Shame
41:38 Closing Remarks
Creators and Guests
Host
Jane W Ballard
Jane Ballard, LCSW-S, CEDS, PMH-C, is a licensed psychotherapist and Alcohol Free Life coach. She is the founder of Jane Ballard Wellness, a private practice offering in-person counseling services in Dallas, TX and virtual individual and group coaching to women in the United States and beyond. After waking up to the realization that alcohol was a barrier to living her purpose, she set out to make information, support and connection more accessible to like minded women.