Importance of the trialogue
What is attentiveness?
Author: R., an individual experienced with bipolar illnesses
Attentiveness is when one can perceive consciously without making an evaluation. We often lose our concentration on the moment. However, at some times this is the only time, in which one actually reacts and experiences. He/She who lingers in the future or past cannot be fully present in the here and now. Whether smaller or larger events - life itself simply roars past, without actually being lived.
If we behave attentively, we can pause. Perceive our breathing, our bodies and think attentively, without having to evaluate them directly. Thereby, a deeper sense of understanding is possible for us personally. Also in tense or critical situations, we can be awake and attentive, and can perform actively. That is possible without us getting lost in the situation and then just reacting automatically.
Exercises
Attentive meditation while lying down, sitting, walking
Mild stretching exercises from yoga
Exercises to integrate attentiveness in day-to-day life
Topics
Live in the moment
Counteract stress appropriately
Relationships with such difficult emotions as fear and anger
Attentiveness and pain
Accept and trust yourself
Small schedule
I repeatedly take a minute of time every day to ask myself: Could I now at the moment care any better for myself? I stop, make a review and contemplate. I become quiet. I can wait until my inner self replies. I recognize what is good for me and act according to that.
In decisive situations it is important to ask yourself four questions:
- Is the problem important?
- Is my anger appropriate?
- Can the situation be changed?
- Is it worth doing anything about?
