For many years mindfulness was suggested many times. It just felt like my pain was being dismissed and what does this word mean anyway. It felt like what I call voodoo medicine, right up there with other so called miracles. I did not have any interest in even giving it a chance since I felt like they were telling me my pain was in my head.

I slugged through the first few guided meditations and learned that deep breathing is not instinctive and needs to be learned. I found several that felt right and guess what - I noticed I fell asleep very quickly and stayed asleep and I could find a calm space amid a lot of personal stress. I have not had much luck yet with it helping my pain except for the one on Deana's page but there is a huge difference in my sleep and anxiety. I am now addicted. I never go to bed without doing a meditation. I have learned it is not voodoo and it does not mean my pain is in my head. It is a calming force without the pharmaceuticals. It is something I can control. I do think it is a really dumb name - mindfulness and for me it does not describe it at all. My minutes of calm, my brake pedal, my own space that I have full control of, my relaxing, brief vacation in my mind. If you are like me - very resistant, adamantly stubborn and insulted or just do not see the logic of how it could help you, make a 2 week commitment. It is important to find the voices that soothe you and the imagery that is meaningful for you.