Mindfulness and Movement

By Dr. Tiffany Daniel

The majority of our clients suffer from chronic pain or trauma, which inhibits them from conducting their daily living activities or reaching their goals of being pain- and stress-free.

Mindfulness and movement can be combined to complement the primary care provider’s prescribed treatment. So many clients are living with chronic pain, trauma, and disease that it has become a common household topic.

Today, some of the most popular practices for well-being include equine training, therapeutic horticulture, meditation, and yoga. All of these provide forms of mindful movement.

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. It is often used as a therapeutic technique.

Mindful movement can be described as any movement activity that is practiced with attention, presence, and intention. It can be accomplished through activities such as equine therapy, gardening, walking, and yoga, to name a few.

We implement programs geared toward individual needs to help clients benefit from the practice of mindfulness.

Mindful Resilience (MR)

Mindful Resilience, or therapeutic yoga, is a program developed by Dr. Dan Libby of the Veteran Yoga Project (VYP). It includes practices chosen based on feedback from hundreds of veterans and active service members who suffer from the aftereffects of combat or other trauma. MR programs report improvements in mood, impulse behavior, irritability, concentration, and sleep.

There are five parts to Mindful Resilience training:

Breathing – Techniques that can help relieve anxiety and can be used anywhere and anytime.
Meditation – Enhances focus and concentration, settles the mind, and promotes a sense of well-being.
Mindful Movement – Postures that bring the body through its natural range of motion to enhance strength and flexibility while reinforcing the connection between mind and body.
Guided Rest – Guided exercises that lead to deep and profound relaxation.
Gratitude – Simple practices that promote a positive outlook.

Equine Facilitated Therapy

Equine Facilitated Therapy is used for personal development and learning and can be effective for both adults and youth. Participants engage in social activities based on their horse experience, leading to improved cognitive functions, organized behavior, and self-awareness. Mindfulness skills serve as a recovery tool for individuals under enormous stress.

This therapy has also been shown to improve motor skills for those seeking treatment for cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, and sensory integration disorder. When this type of therapy is offered, we partner with equine and physical therapists.

Therapeutic Horticulture

Therapeutic horticulture uses plants and outdoor environments to achieve mindfulness and health goals. The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) defines therapeutic horticulture as “the process through which participants enhance their well-being through active or passive involvement in plant-related activities.”

There have been breakthroughs reported for individuals with eating disorders, PTSD, depression, anxiety, developmental disabilities, dementia, brain injuries, cancer, and physical disabilities.

And lastly, rest, walking, and water will never steer you wrong—so let’s relax and let it go.