For many, 2021 is gladly welcomed after enduring such an unexpected, difficult and challenging 2020. A new year is often accompanied by hopes of new beginnings and fresh goals. Do any of the following goals resonate with you?

~Reduce stress, anxiety & depression                                                                                     

~Increase levels of focus & concentration

~Better sleep

~Improve overall health & well-being                             

If you are desiring any (or all!) of the above list, integrating mindfulness into your daily life has been scientifically proven to include these potential benefits (plus many more)! For more details on mindfulness, see our recent post. 

As you enter 2021, you can choose to spend your energy, thoughts, and time dwelling on this past year or worrying about what lies ahead for this new year. Instead of being stuck in the worlds of  the “back then” of the past or the “what ifs” of the future, what would it be like to learn to live in the NOW? Purposely paying attention and being able to capture and engage the present moment.

This is where mindfulness fits in. Mindfulness is the quality of being fully present and engaged in the moment, free from distraction or judgement. It means being aware and in touch with who you are, what you are feeling and doing, and what is going on around you–in the present moment–being fully alive and engaged.  That sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? But how does one cultivate mindfulness?

We are excited to announce that LaJuan Humbert, intern at Hurley Counseling, will be leading a 6-week Mindfulness Group on Wednesday evenings at The Well (Hurley Counseling, 1327 Springhill Ave.) from 6-7:30pm beginning  January 27^th.

The weekly classes will include 30-minutes of mindfulness education and skills training followed by 45-60 minutes of mindfulness practice. This class is for all levels and all ages. Advanced sign-up and payment are required. Cost is $30 per session. This class will be offered free of charge to veterans. For more information or to sign up, please contact Hurley Counseling at 251-222-8880 or at hurleycounselinginfo@gmail.com.

“Be where you are, otherwise you will miss your life.” ~ Buddha

“The mind is just like a muscle – the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets and the more it can expand.” ~ Idowu Koyenikan