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Walter Combs, LCSW
Walter Combs, LCSW

Mindful Monday
Topics and exercises for focusing the mind posted once a week on Mondays.


The Garden of Your Mind: A Mindfulness Practice for Cultivating Optimism
Introduction: Imagine your mind as a vibrant garden, and you, its dedicated caretaker. Just as plants need sunlight and care to thrive,...
waltercombs
Aug 18, 20252 min read


The Art of Taking Rest: A Mindful Practice for True Rejuvenation
Introduction: In our fast-paced world, rest is often seen as a luxury, not a necessity. Yet, the truth is simple: happier people are more...
waltercombs
Aug 11, 20252 min read


The Power of Wonder: A Mindful Journey from Mundane to Sacred
Introduction: In our daily lives, it's easy to get caught in the familiar, the routine, the seemingly mundane. Yet, there's a profound...
waltercombs
Aug 4, 20252 min read


Counting the Ways: A Mindful Practice for Cultivating Happiness
Introduction: Our minds have a natural tendency to gravitate towards what went wrong or what might go wrong. This focus on potential...
waltercombs
Jul 28, 20252 min read


The Inner Smile: Cultivating Happiness from Within
Introduction: We often associate happiness with external circumstances – when things go our way, or when something good happens on the...
waltercombs
Jul 21, 20252 min read


The Mindful Shower: Transforming Routine into Radiance
Introduction: How often do we rush through our daily routines, like taking a shower, barely noticing the sensations? We might be planning...
waltercombs
Jul 14, 20252 min read


Embracing the Hush: A Mindfulness Exercise for Peaceful Silence
Introduction: In our often noisy world, true silence can feel elusive. Yet, just like sleep nourishes your body, silence is deeply...
waltercombs
Jul 7, 20252 min read


Gazing at Nature: A Revitalizing Mindfulness Exercise
Introduction: In our fast-paced lives, our minds often get caught in repetitive thoughts that fret or ruminate, zapping our life energy....
waltercombs
Jun 30, 20252 min read


The Mindful Sip: Savoring the Simple Act of Drinking Water
Introduction: We drink water numerous times throughout the day, often without a second thought. It becomes an absentminded habit, a quick...
waltercombs
Jun 23, 20252 min read


Savoring Each Bite: A Mindful Eating Meditation
Introduction: In our fast-paced lives, eating often becomes another task to multitask. We might eat while working, scrolling, or watching...
waltercombs
Jun 16, 20252 min read


Walking to Walk: A Mindful Movement Exercise for Presence
Introduction: We often walk without truly being present in the act. Our body moves forward, but our mind is often lost in planning the...
waltercombs
Jun 9, 20252 min read


Mindful Exercise: "Exploring the Trail's Path with Self-Energy"
This exercise builds on yesterday's Somatic Sunday exploration. Goal: To gently deepen curiosity about a "trailhead" sensation,...
waltercombs
Jun 2, 20254 min read


Mindful Exercise for Negative Talk and Anxiety: "Befriending the Inner Critic"
Goal: To help the client observe, understand, and compassionately relate to negative self-talk and anxiety, reducing their overwhelming...
waltercombs
May 26, 20254 min read


In The Present Moment (Mindful Monday)
Introduction: In our busy lives, it's easy to function on autopilot, missing the beauty and wonder of the present moment. This...
waltercombs
May 12, 20252 min read


Mindful Observation of Thought Patterns (Mindful Monday)
Purpose: This exercise helps you become more aware of the patterns in your thinking, specifically those unhelpful cognitive distortions...
waltercombs
May 5, 20253 min read


Labeling Your Thoughts (Mindful Monday)
Labeling Your Thoughts Purpose: Become more aware of negative thoughts without judgment, reducing their power and emotional impact. This...
waltercombs
Apr 28, 20252 min read


Mindful Monday: (This Wonderful Moment: A Gentle Presence Exercise)
Instructions: Find a comfortable position where you can relax without needing to do anything else. You can sit or lie down. Allow your...
waltercombs
Apr 21, 20252 min read


Mindful Monday: (Being at Home: A Grounding Exercise)
Introduction: Your physical body is your mobile residence, the only one you have in this lifetime. You literally travel through life in...
waltercombs
Apr 14, 20252 min read


Mindful Monday: RAIN A Mindfulness Practice for Emotional Well-being
Instructions: When you notice a difficult emotion arising, take a moment to pause and apply the RAIN technique. R: Recognize Acknowledge...
waltercombs
Apr 7, 20251 min read


Mindful Monday: 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique
Instructions: When you feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, take a few moments to go through these steps. Focus on each step, and try...
waltercombs
Mar 31, 20251 min read
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