In this “powerful goose-bump land it” episode, we explore mindful awareness not as another item on our self-care checklist, but as the essential foundation that guides how we truly care for ourselves. Registered psychologist and mindfulness educator Liv Downing shares how tuning into each moment with presence and compassion can fundamentally transform our approach to wellbeing - moving us from prescribed solutions to authentic, responsive self-care.This EpisodeLiv Downing takes us on a journey through:The distinction between mindfulness as meditation and mindfulness as a way of beingHow mindful awareness transforms self-care from obligation to authentic responsePractical techniques for tuning into your body's wisdom and inner guidanceThe power of treating yourself with the same compassion you'd offer a dear friendSimple practices for creating "islands of sanity" throughout your dayAbout Liv DowningLiv Downing is a registered psychologist, mindfulness educator and meditation teacher. She fell in love with mindfulness and meditation 16 years ago when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and was unable to walk or change her new baby's nappies without excruciating pain. This extreme ill health led her to deeply explore the world of mind/body medicine and in doing so, she discovered a whole additional part to her being. A part that is pain free, wise, kind and loving, she is now on a mission to empower others to discover that part within themselves through both evidence based psychology and ancient wisdom traditions. In her work she blends the scientific with the spiritual and the professional with the personal.Quotable Moments"Mindfulness is a way of seeing and a way of being. It's not something we do, it's something we are - it's our birthright." - Liv Downing"If you can worry, you can meditate. Any self-care is good, but if we can add gentle presence to whatever we're doing, it supercharges it." - Liv Downing"Before we can change anything, we need to see it and then accept it. And then with lashings of compassion for ourselves, our system, then we can change it." - Liv Downing"What mindfulness offers us is an opportunity to notice the pain or discomfort, and then ask genuinely, what do I need in this moment?" - Liv Downing"We can practice this work while answering emails, while folding laundry, while reading a storybook to our kids. It's about the quality of mind, the intention behind our choices." - Liv Downing"My gift for your listeners is this capacity to connect with the power and beauty and agency and sovereignty that is already within you. It's already there." - Liv DowningPractical Tools MentionedThe STOP Technique: Stop, Take a breath, Open and observe, Proceed in line with your values30-Second Body Scan: A quick grounding practice for transitions between activitiesMindfulness Bells: Choosing three daily moments to practice present-moment awarenessTwo-Minute Meditation: Starting with just two minutes of breath awarenessThe Chess Board Metaphor: Understanding awareness as the board that holds all thoughts and feelingsResources MentionedThe Happiness Trap by Russ Harris (introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)Research by Kristin Neff on self-compassionTara Brach's teachings on the "two wings of awareness"Atomic Habits by James ClearSmiling Mind organizationConnect With UsFollow She Speaks on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategiesVisit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com

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