Episode 317 - Dr. Janelle Hallman, "Mindfulness and the Presence of God, Part 1"
Jul 19, 2024
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Dr. Janelle Hallman, a Licensed Professional Counselor and expert in trauma and personal transformation, shares her insights on mindfulness and spiritual presence. She emphasizes mindfulness as a profound practice for daily living, moving beyond stress relief. Janelle reveals her love for birdsong as a gateway to relaxation in nature. The discussion also touches on fostering patience and kindness, navigating distractions, and using mindfulness to understand emotions, offering valuable tools for inner growth and connection with the divine.
Mindfulness is not simply a stress reduction technique but a profound practice that fosters present-moment awareness and personal transformation.
Engaging with mindfulness allows individuals to cultivate emotional resilience and navigate life's challenges with a deeper sense of calm and acceptance.
Deep dives
Understanding Mindfulness
Mindfulness is defined not merely as a technique for stress reduction but as a profound way of being that emphasizes present-moment awareness. The practice involves setting aside time for stillness and silence, allowing individuals to focus on their immediate experiences without judgment. A key component is maintaining curiosity about these experiences, akin to an explorer investigating new territory. This approach fosters a break from incessant thinking, allowing deeper awareness of one's body and breath, and enabling practitioners to reconnect with the present moment.
Personal Journey into Mindfulness
The speaker shares their personal journey into mindfulness, recounting the transformative experiences they encountered during an experiential workshop. Initially, they described the sensation of being fully present by focusing on their breath and bodily sensations, which was a revelation for someone used to a busy lifestyle. Over time, this practice not only elicited a sense of well-being but also sparked a deeper appreciation for simple joys like birdsong, which they had previously overlooked. As their practice evolved, they began leading others, facilitating a shared experience of relaxation and serenity in a group setting.
The Transformational Impact of Mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness led to significant emotional and psychological transformations, including a decrease in reactivity and an ability to navigate life's challenges with greater calmness. In moments of stress, such as dealing with a flat tire, the speaker noticed a newfound ability to observe rather than react, thus altering their emotional responses to daily disturbances. This practice allowed them to build resilience and cultivate a deeper acceptance of their experiences, learning to be with what is without the pressure to change it. Ultimately, mindfulness became a tool for profound self-discovery and transformation, enabling a deeper connection to oneself and the world.
Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, we welcome Dr. Janelle Hallman back to the podcast. Janelle serves on the team at Restoring the Soul and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, ordained minister, professor, author, and speaker on issues such as redemption, healing, and wholeness. She has a profound expertise in trauma, sexuality, and personal transformation. In today's conversation, Dr. Hallman takes us on a journey through the power of mindfulness as a fundamental way of being, far beyond mere stress reduction. She also shares how her love for birdsong led her to embrace mindfulness and teach others to find relaxation in nature's melodies. Together with Michael, they explore the benefits of practicing the presence of God and being truly present and how these spiritual practices can rewire our brains and reduce reactivity.
So, whether you're struggling to embody the tenets of your faith in daily life or looking for a deeper connection with your inner self and the world around you, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical wisdom. Let's embark on this journey of restoring the soul with mindfulness and presence.
ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST: - Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS - Like us on Facebook - Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - Follow Michael on Twitter - Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com
Thanks for listening!
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