Reduce Fear of Cancer Return with Mind-Body Practices By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “the mind and body are really one entity, not two separate parts. Stated simply, there is no separation or division between the mind, body, spirit, and emotions. The best stress management program is one that moves you from fear […]
Increase Self-Compassion and Decrease Mind Wandering in Depression with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “MBCT program is a group intervention that allows participants to become aware of how conditioned patterns of mind and mood can trigger depression relapse and sustain current symptoms of depression. Through the practice of mindful awareness, they […]
Mindfulness and Sense of Control are Independently Associated with Emotions By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “the truth is that meditation does not eradicate mental and emotional turmoil. Rather, it cultivates the space and gentleness that allow us intimacy with our experiences so that we can relate quite differently to our cascade of […]
Strengthen Character with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Mindfulness opens the door to who we are, and character strengths are what is behind that door.” – Ryan Niemiec Personality characteristics are thought to be relatively permanent traits that form an individual’s distinctive character. Engaging in mindfulness training has been shown […]
Improve Psychological Well-Being with a Smartphone Mindfulness App By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Mobile phones are often scorned as devices of distraction, but paradoxically, they may serve as a good platform to practice being in the moment and being mindful given their wide use,” – Jayde Flett Mindfulness training has been […]
Protect Against Mental Illness and Suicide in Gay Men with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Mindfulness enables you to recognize just how transitory thoughts are. They come and they go, like clouds before the sun. . . Watch your suicidal thoughts as they float by. You don’t need to grab one […]
Improve Eating Regulation and Emotions in the Obese with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Researchers are learning that teaching obese individuals mindful eating skills—like paying closer attention to their bodies’ hunger cues and learning to savor their food—can help them change unhealthy eating patterns and lose weight. And, unlike other forms […]
Brain Structures Involved in Memory are Different in Yoga Practitioners By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “You may know that yoga is a good form of exercise that gets your blood circulation going, improves oxygen flow, and helps with overall health. But did you know that yoga also helps boost brain function? Research has found […]
Improve Acceptance with Mindfulness Training or a Psychedelic Drug By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “If someone gives you 100 micrograms of acid something is going to happen. Two hours later the significance of your existence will have just been borne down on you like an avalanche. And again this can be terrifying […]
The Power of Retreat 6 – Darkness, Light, and Nothingness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Silent retreats are a kind of crucible that reveal the workings of the mind in a unique and illuminating way.” James Baraz This essay is the 6th of a continuing series of essays about the experience […]