By: LOUELA R. LACSAMANA RGC
Guidance Counselor, CCJE, CBAA & CEAT
“Me sariling mundo kasi sya…” “Naku, may pagka-autistic yun…” “Wala kasi syang pakialam masyado…” “Deadmatic yan…” These are some of the words, phrases that are not really new to me. Some friends, colleagues and even myself, would regard me as such. And I don’t give a damn. After all, I sort of suit the description. As a person, I am someone who is inclined to decide whether I will react or not, whether I will get angry or not, whether I will listen or not. I usually pause and think, before I react. And somehow, I thought, there was really something not so “normal” with my kind of “delayed reaction” to things and situation. However, I was enlightened when I had the opportunity to attend an intensive training workshop on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy with FriendlyCare Foundation Philippines and Centre for Mindfulness Studies, Toronto.
Mindfulness is the awareness that arises from paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally. This is how Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction defines it. It is about paying attention to your thoughts, body sensations, emotions, and to your surroundings in the present moment, without feeling the need to judge what is happening, or to change it other than what it is. It is about being in the here and now, becoming aware, focusing and refocusing your attention, and choosing. Mindfulness is about noticing what is happening in your present environment and having the freedom to decide what or how to react and respond. It is about acknowledging your thoughts and emotions, be it something good, bad, positive or whatever, accepting them as they are, recognizing that everything come and go, even your thoughts and emotions. So, with mindfulness, you have a choice, a bigger space to decide. But without mindfulness, one only reacts to stimuli, without thinking. I am not saying that to be mindful is to ignore or repressed whatever negative emotions or thoughts one has for himself or towards others. No. To be mindful is to recognize and notice whatever is arising at the moment, but taking a pause to breathe for a time, or perhaps ground yourself using your five senses, and then choosing whether to let go or give in, to focus or refocus.
And so, I therefore say that, my being delayed in reacting to events and situations is not really a “delayed reaction” in a negative connotation, or the usual label that I jokingly get from peers, or even myself. But rather, a more positive learning experience and a “becoming aware” with the concepts of mindfulness. That I tend to be mindful in ways of responding rather than merely a reactionist to situations. That I am in control of myself rather than feeling victim of circumstances. That I enjoy a greater freedom of choosing, rather than being caught up with unnecessary fights or battles. That I am more loving of myself, while learning and practicing kindness to others.
I thank the university specifically, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research, for the opportunity extended to me about four years ago. Being able to participate in the MBCT Facilitator Certification Program paved way for me to introduce the practice of Mindfulness to our students through growth sessions, seminars, and as well as a technique I used to students during counseling session when there is a need.
To end, let me just say that mindfulness is not something that we learn in just one click. It is a continuous practice, a learning experience of embodying and integrating mindfulness to our everyday life.
