Have you ever tried mindfulness, but felt it didn’t quite “work” for you? You’re not alone.
Mindfulness is known to have a powerful, positive impact on mental health, chronic pain, and stress, but its benefits are not always easily accessible for everyone. This is especially true for those who experience concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). While mindfulness can be healing for the brain, its effectiveness depends on tailoring the practices to the unique needs of individuals with TBI. In fact, a mindfulness practice can potentially cause distress and even exacerbate symptoms when not adapted to the unique experience of brain injury.
That’s why LoveYourBrain created the first-ever, on-demand mindfulness course designed for individuals with brain injury. Developed by Dr. Kyla Pearce, LoveYourBrain’s Senior Director of Programs and Research, mindfulness program, and yoga teacher, the Power of Awareness course debunks misconceptions of what mindfulness is or isn’t, and offers simple and accessible research-based tools to empower those living with TBI, their caregivers, clinicians, yoga teachers, and anyone interested in brain health to improve their overall well-being.
So how does this work? It all starts in the brain. Brain injuries disrupt the intricate functioning of the brain, and with over 2.85 million people in the US experiencing a TBI annually, there’s a tremendous need for effective and accessible tools for healing. That’s where mindfulness comes in.
Mindfulness can be a pathway to healing for people struggling with mental fatigue, physical pain, and much more. LoveYourBrain’s research shows that mindfulness can improve cognition, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, which are all common after brain injury.
Dr. Pearce, a leading expert in TBI-informed mindfulness, created this course to meet the needs of those affected by TBI. The Power of Awareness, a 9-week mindfulness course led by Dr. Pearce, uses her expertise to guide 11 engaging video lessons and 11 meditations. Participants gain on-demand access to simple, research-based mindfulness tools, with weekly emails providing course guidance and reminders. The course covers a spectrum of techniques aimed to reduce pain, create mental ease, and foster emotional resilience.
“TBI is complex and often presents unique symptoms for each person affected. As mindfulness teachers’ we must be conscious of what people may be carrying, so we can meet the unique needs of trauma survivors rather than expecting them to adapt to us,” shares Dr. Pearce. “We tailor mindfulness to meet individuals where they are in their healing journey. This allows participants to feel seen, validated, and find greater ease in exploring mindfulness.”
LoveYourBrain’s trauma and TBI-informed approach makes their mindfulness course, the Power of Awareness, different. The practices within the course support the common physical, mental, and emotional impacts brain injury can have on a person. Tested methods such as Body Scan and Pendulation address numbness and discomfort in the body after a TBI. The Window of Tolerance technique assists in managing stress and overwhelm, while the CALM Meditation redirects attention with care, creating self-compassion. The course equips participants with tools like Soft Mental Notes to disrupt negative thinking, RAIN Meditation to inspire kindness, and three Attention Anchors for improved focus.
Ann D., a Power of Awareness course participant, shares her experience: “I hope to take the Power of Awareness course over and over because the information helped me to treat myself and others with more kindness. It’s helped me deepen my understanding of emotions and self-control.”
Another participant, Dan. R., attests to the effectiveness of incorporating mindfulness into daily life. He notes, “The LYB program gave me the extra bit of guidance and encouragement I needed to persevere and remain anchored in gratitude for what I still have in life instead of focusing on what I’ve lost.”
The Power of Awareness course not only provides practical tools for supporting the common challenges of brain injury — it also fosters a sense of community and belonging. It supports participants to acknowledge and navigate the complexities of their healing journey with compassion and resilience.
Ready to begin your journey of self-discovery, focus, mental clarity, and compassion? The Power of Awareness course offers a tailored approach to mindfulness so those navigating the unique journey of brain injury can live well.
Learn more at: loveyourbrain.com/power-of-awareness
- For 10% OFF LoveYourBrain’s Power of Awareness Course, use the promo code ‘Midwest’ at checkout!
About LoveYourBrain:
The LoveYourBrain Foundation is a national non-profit improving the quality of life of people impacted by traumatic brain injury (TBI) and raising awareness about the importance of brain health. LoveYourBrain offers research-based programs at no cost across the globe to empower the TBI community with new tools, resources, and connections. Visit loveyourbrain.com to learn more.
