So many of us are living in a state of chaos in our minds. When we hear of another meditating, we envision a buddha sitting atop a pillow or someone chanting ohm or “latinease” while holding thumb to middle finger. While this may make me chuckle a little bit, there is, in fact, some truth to it. Other common thoughts are meditation is not for me. I can’t sit and not think. I do not have time to meditate. But let me ask you this…..would you make time for something if you knew it could be the root of your mental wellness? Mindfulness and meditation, how do we begin to shift our lives?
There are many misconceptions about what mindfulness and meditation are. What the goals are, and how to begin. I will be beginning a Mindful Monday LIVE in my Facebook group (link below), the first one being on 2/24/2020, and this is the topic that will be talked about in great detail.
Are we running from our thoughts, our problems, or possibly even worse, obsessing about them without looking for a solution? Are we not happy, while wishing we were happy, while actively avoiding being happy? Are we looking outside of ourselves for our happiness? An accomplishment seen, a goal met, a relationship being successful, a purchase, a vacation, a raise, no more debt, a warm sunny day? The reasons can be endless, those little things that we tell ourselves will make us happy, but those things are all external, and something in the future. What if I told you there is a way to be happy, calm yourself, despite what is going on around you? This is the number one goal of these practices.
Meditation does not require a yogi, or for you to be Buddhist. Mindfulness is not an inherently esoteric practice either, or what some people consider woo woo. It is not wishful thinking, or spiritual bypassing. One more thing, neither one is about being without thought.
So what is it?
Neuroscientist Sam Harris so eloquently stated, “There is nothing spooky (esoteric) about mindfulness. It is simply a state of clear, non-judgmental, and undistracted attention to the contents of consciousness, whether pleasant or unpleasant. Cultivating this quality of mind has been shown to reduce pain, anxiety, and depression; improve cognitive function; and even produce changes in gray matter density in regions of the brain related to learning and memory, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.”
I believe if there was an order to things, you might want to begin with practicing mindfulness before attempting meditation. Mindfulness begins by staying the present moment and noticing, being aware of the very moment. The sights, the sounds, the tastes, and yes, the thoughts. It demands that we pay very close attention, not to be thinking about your to-do list, what you’re having for dinner, or what you will do about “xyz” issue in your life. The thoughts that are present while being mindful should not be identified as pleasant or unpleasant or becoming lost in that thought, or distracted by the thought, and then beating yourself up for it. It is not done sitting atop a pillow, you can bring it into everything you do, exercising, a painting, gardening, journaling, reading, and yes, even doing the dishes or laundry.
Sound complicated? It does not have to be, but it is a practice, something we get better at, and you will not simply be an expert at the first go around.
Imagine being able to be in the exact moment without allowing the dozens of tabs to be open in your mind. You can truly be aware and enjoy that exact moment, the way life was meant to be lived…..nothing woo woo about that.
We can be at peace with the present moment and still have goals, to-do lists, and even dreams to make the world a better place. Simplicity brings a level of awareness that is not only refreshing, but it is where the greatest healing takes place.
Here is one, very small example of being in the moment, happening much slower than you are reading it of course:
Begin to really notice things around you. You open the front door and head out for a walk around the neighborhood. Hear and acknowledge the sound of your feet hitting the street. Really see the trees, flowers, and grass blowing in the wind. You pass someone on the street. Smile at them, not just a casual look right through them, smile, but really mean the smile, be present with them and lock eyes for that moment. Acknowledge the transfer of energy that takes place. Feel the breeze on your skin. Is it cool or warm? Can you feel the hair moving on your arms? Is the sun shining on you? Can you really feel your skin smile as this is what it has been waiting for? Can you hear birds? Really open your ears and listen. Focus on this sense. What is in their birdsong? Look up at the sky and see clouds floating by. Can you make any of them into shape? Contemplate how big the universe is and how lucky and grateful you are to be a part of it; yet how small you are in it. Feel your feet hit the ground. Hear the rocks, the gravel, the leaves as you walk atop of them. Feel the sensations in your feet, your legs, your back, and your arms. Maybe you notice a bee pollinating a flower. Stop walking and get up close. Look at all of the pollen on the bee’s legs and body. Think about the cycle of life. Thank the bee for all of the flowers, fruit, vegetables, etc. Smile and continue walking. Acknowledge how you are feeling inside as the sun warms your body, feel your heartbeat as it has picked up. Stop walking. Feel the hum of your body. Notice how calm your mind is, open, expansive. You instantly know this is the state of mind and being that life was meant for.
This is one small example of true mindfulness. Truly being in the moment. Sam Harris is definitely on to something when he said that when we can truly cultivate this state of mind anxiety states are greatly reduced. Anxiety is being anywhere but the present moment, and can oftentimes be a completely out of body experience, whereas mindfulness is a grounded, in your body practice.
Considering trying this to see how you can improve your life? Join us on Monday, and of course, the replay will remain long after.
Botanical Medicine & Cognitive Awareness for Emotional Wellbeing group on Facebook
See you there!
Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
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