What are some effective ways to provide support and feedback to someone in distress?

In today's times, we are mostly in auto pilot mode- running from task to task. There are constant distractions and stressors along the way right from the time a kid a born! With technology overpowering our lives, mindfulness stands as a crucial practice. It offers a sanctuary amidst the chaos, teaching us to be fully present in the moment. It helps in regaining our mental clarity, reducing anxiety. It's a tool to help us navigate the demands of modern life more skillfully by enhancing focus, emotional regulation, and resilience. It helps not only in our mental well-being but thereby also improving relationships, and cultivating a deeper sense of fulfillment in an increasingly hectic and chaotic world.

Mindfulness sharpens emotional intelligence, crucial when supporting someone in distress. It's about simultaneous self-awareness, and understanding others' emotions. Mindfulness helps you recognize your influence on situations and empathize more effectively, enabling you to provide nuanced and compassionate support.

When you're with someone in distress, mindfulness is equivalent to putting your oxygen mask on first, before attempting to help anyone else. It's easy to get activated when someone else is. Use mindfulness to notice what's happening in your body, mind, and emotions, and tend to that first. When your nervous system is regulated, you can then apply mindfulness to the situation at hand. It will allow you notice cues and context you might not otherwise have. You can notice how your own experience shifts and evolves throughout the interaction. You'll be better able to manage both yourself and the situation by using mindfulness.

Mindful listening is all about presence. It involves fully focusing on the other person, free from distractions. This means actively engaging, using open-ended questions, and showing empathy through body language and validation. It's not just hearing words; it's about understanding emotions, and perspectives. Just, listen.

Validate whatever they are feeling and ask them solution-oriented open-ended questions. This way, you will achieve three things: a) you will make them feel understood and safe, b) you will help them engage their logical brain over their emotional brain, c) you will place them in a solution-searching mode, which can make them feel more optimistic.

Mindful feedback is about constructive honesty. Start by asking if they're open to feedback. - Really. This one, if nothing else. Focus on behaviours, not personality traits. Use "I" statements to express your perspective without blame. Be specific, balance the positive with the critical, and aim to empower, not demoralize.

When responding to someone in distress, first, tune into your own emotions. Choose words that are gentle yet honest, and offer support that respects their autonomy. Avoid imposing solutions; instead, offer options and be willing to follow through on commitments made. - this is what my business is built on :)

When someone is in distress, their fight or flight mode is alert. Being calm, present and actively showing them you are listening, can help bring them back to a state where they know in the moment, they are truly safe. Listen to what the actual threat is the person is perceiving and see if there is a way you can truly connect with them and they can feel your total presence with them. From that space you can offer them tools to bring them to a state of deeper calm. Two of my favorites are Box breathing - Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4 and repeat for 3 rounds. Or "Havening" where they gently touch their arms from shoulder to elbows, eyes closed, affirming they are safe. This resets the central nervous system.

Sea que la persona se haya dado cuenta o no del posible riesgo en el cual se encuentra, y antes de ir a dar ¨consejos¨, siempre será mejor hacer preguntas poderosas que ayuden al otro a tomar consciencia de la situación. Repetir la pregunta con un... y qué mas... (está pasando, puedes hacer, es la causa, etc.), va a ayudar a lo trato a ir más allá de la primera respuesta. Desde el mindfulness siempre buscamos expandir la consciencia. Las preguntas bien formuladas, son el camino para ello. Una vez nos decimos cuenta que las respuestas arrojan resultados interesantes que evidencian el riesgo, podemos entonces preguntar por las alternativas apara eliminarlo, reducirlo o transferirlo.

One thing particularly I have found helpful when it comes to practical application of mindfulness is taking small steps towards it without expecting immediate benefit. It's a lifestyle change which can be cultivated over time. On a daily practice, even if we consciously start practicing to be fully aware of our presence even for 5 minutes, it can take us a long way.

Unconventional methods, like using mindfulness in conflict resolution or decision-making, can be incredibly effective. It's about seeing beyond the obvious, understanding the undercurrents of emotions and thoughts, and using this insight to foster understanding and solutions. Always be open to feedback, it's a chance for growth, and deeper connection.