“What is Mindfulness?” ~ Geoff Farnsworth, CAC, CHT interviewed by Loretta Depka Zerbo, Executive Director

We live in a stressful, challenging time. Today, there’s more uncertainty, faster changes, more distractions and demands on us than ever before. As a result, we experience more anxiety, stress, and uncertainty. What can you do when you are unable to focus and pulled in too many directions? Geoff Farnsworth, CAC, CHT, joined us to discuss the concepts behind mindfulness and its positive affect on our brains, body and mental well-being. Mindfulness stresses the present and is used to address conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, intrusive negative thinking, pain, and feeling overwhelmed. Geoff is a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) and Certified Hakomi Mindful Somatic Therapist (CHT). He draws from his studies of mindfulness, psychology, compassionate communication, addictions, spirituality and life coaching to help people who are feeling stuck, struggling with relationship issues or just want more out of life. He offers a wide range of programs and services from individual and couples coaching to webinars and workshops. Geoff has been veteran meditator for over 20 years, trained by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD founder of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. He has an office at The Starting Point. Currently, he is accepting phone and virtual appointments only: www.relationshipshapeup.com 0:00 Introductions 2:56 What is Mindfulness? 3:55 Common Misconceptions About Mindfulness 11:35 Judgement and Staying Present with Experiences 16:35 Physical Effects of Mindfulness 18:39 How to Shut Down Negative Thoughts 21:33 Mindfulness Meditation- Resources to Stay Present 25:03 Gratitude with Mindfulness 28:10 It’s a Lifestyle- Practice Makes Perfect 29:26 Mindful Inquiry 32:54 Teaching Children How to be Mindful 34:32 Thinking 37:11 Wrap Up The Starting Point Website: https://startingpoint.org/ To Donate Please Visit: https://startingpoint.org/todays-dona… The Founder of The Starting Point Vince DiPasquale’s YouTube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/c/VinceDiPasq… For Live & Virtual Meetings Please Visit The Starting Point Calendar: https://startingpoint.org/calendar/