Embracing the Moment: an introduction to mindfulness

What is mindfulness? Is it hard to do? Is it worth the effort? Mindfulness is a capacity we all have, but the chatter in our minds can make it difficult to access. Join Paul Deger, MA, LPC, PT, in this gentle, practical, and inspiring exploration of mindfulness. Lesson 1: Welcome, explore our first understanding of mindfulness, and set an intention Lesson 2: An exercise in mindlessness Lesson 3: Mindfulness Defined Lesson 4: Mindfulness and Stress Lesson 5: Awareness of Breath meditation Lesson 6: Your mindfulness journey has begun Please note: this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace assessment and treatment by a physician, therapist, or other health care professionals. Learn more about Paul and access a library of guided meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/  Your facilitator:  Paul Deger, MA, LPC, PT, has over 38 years of experience in healthcare, initially as a physical therapist specializing in neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, head injury, and facial paralysis). Paul then shifted focus from physical to mental health and completed his graduate studies at Naropa University, Boulder, earning a Master's in Mindfulness-Based Counseling Psychology. On retreat, he has also trained in mindfulness with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli of the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and studied Buddhism and meditation in sangha with Lloyd Burton, a founder of the Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Recognizing the impact of spirituality on health, Paul studied pastoral care at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. He has found his mindfulness practice of over 30 years foundational in finding the "calm beneath the storm," and experiencing joy in the "rainbows that follow." He has worked with clients in hospital-based, private practice, and home-based family-centered care. Paul has taught mindfulness meditation, stress management, and health behavior change nationally to doctors, allied healthcare professionals, businesses, and government agencies, and is an invited speaker at professional conferences. Paul also has a long history as a corporate trainer, with a specialty in coaching nurses and health educators to deliver disease management and health behavior change services. Paul has designed mental wellbeing apps and multimedia psycho-educational products. He is certified in performance consulting. When not working, Paul enjoys vintage car shows with his son, who is on the autism spectrum, and rock climbing in the awe-inspiring Colorado Rockies.