Find everything at: http://www.heartseedhealth.com/podcastIn this episode we talk about meditation and mindfulness and how they cultivate our awareness and capacity to get the most out of life. We talk with Ben Gaibel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Louiseville, CO, who works at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette, COLearn about Ben Gaibel's personal journey in becoming a social worker and therapist.Why moving towards life’s challenges and uncomfortable elements are an essential part of healing and growth and how facing challenges doesn’t have to be scary or depressing.How and why meditation and mindfulness are a part of the mental health work that Ben does.Learn about Jon Kabat Zinn and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction includes:formal meditation, yoga, walking meditation, body-scanning practicesInformal practice of bringing awareness into daily life - asks participants to commit to practicing every day home.Integrate mindfulness into life in a supportive community atmosphereWhy it’s essential to cultivate awareness and the ability to self-regulate.MBSR deepens the capacity to work with the challenges that come about being a human being.How meditation and mindfulness practices give us more choice in lifeHow mindfulness and meditation can serve as an antidote the “screen-time”.Why the mind-body connection is so important.How Technology can help us increase our awareness and mindfulnessThe value of of mindfulness and meditation for people affected by cancer.Why embracing our vulnerability can liberate us to experience more joy and gratitudeWe end with some incredibly useful tips on how to start and maintain a mindfulness practice.Ben Gaibel is leading a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction workshop series that is open to the public February 7th- March 28th, 2018 (orientation session January 31st 4:30-6:00pm) at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette, CO . You can learn more and sign up here…You can connect with him at Ben Gaibel Counseling or download free guided meditations at Mindful TrainCenter for Integrative Medicine at Good SamaritanResources mentioned:Full Catastrophe Living - Jon Kabat ZinnThe body Keeps the Score - Bessel Van der KolkApps: Headspace, BreathePeter Levine