One of the things I love the most about teaching a group class or doing a talk on mindfulness is that, as people begin to open up to the group, everyone begins to realize how much we have in common with one another.
You can feel everyone begin to relax and a shared sense of relief that comes with knowing we’re not alone in this. That other people have similar feelings and thoughts, even if their experiences may be different.
When we’re struggling through a difficult time or are met with challenges, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone, sometimes thinking we must be the only one who knows what this feels like or that everyone else seems to be handling things so much better.
But this is not the case.
The busy mind - the one that chatters in the background, doubts are abilities, judges how we’re doing in comparison to everyone around us – this is common amongst us all.
A lot of people have a Mental Checklist running in their head from the time they wake up in the morning until the time they go to bed.
And even when they’re in bed, the list is still running. If the mind is left to its own it will run the show; thinking nonstop and focused on the past or the future.
With the practice of mindfulness meditation, we are able to take charge of the mind, training it to be present, positive and clear, rather than allowing it to control our perception and create unnecessary stress.
Another common thread?
There is a depth of peace within each and every one of us just waiting to be re-discovered. And I say re-discovered because when we were born we were connecting to this present moment state. It is our true nature.
If we don’t feel this peace there is good reason for that; our focus is everywhere but the present moment. There is so much stress in the mind and body and that’s where the focus is, leaving no room for the peace.
I have had the experience of being stressed out big time and am grateful that the experience allowed me to understand these feelings, to know how people feel when they tell me they’re consumed with stress and anxiety.
I’m also grateful that I know there is a solution. That there is a better, healthier way to live and enjoy our lives.
If we continue to live on autopilot and let the mind run the show it will be the same old, same old. Nothing changes if nothing changes.
Where to start?
Keep it simple. I love simple.
It is called a 'mindfulness practice' not a 'mindfulness perfect' for a reason.
Anytime you become aware you aren’t present, you are present.
Try this…
Pause. Focus inward. Take 5 seconds to focus on your breath.
You can only observe your breath in the present moment, not the past of the future, so this simple choice throughout the day creates effective change.
Do want to try this with me this week? I'm game if you are. :)
Let the mindfulness begin!
To your peace + well-being,
Diane