Mindfulness
MINDFULNESS
Probably the most accessible resource we have when looking after our own mental health is our own mind. You might think - but this is the very source of my problem!! You might think - this is so bizarre as not to be feasible. You might just ignore the idea. On the other hand you might give it a try. It is easy to access at any time of day or night, and spares the need to share your feelings with others - if sharing is putting you off seeking help. That being said, if you practice using your mind to the benefit of your own mental health, you might come to find that discussing mental health matters, with others, becomes an easily accessible option too. WHAT WILL HAPPEN
You will probably find that your mind wanders, reverts to the norm. All this means is that you are normal and that you will need to practice. Seriously. HOW TO DO IT Initially you can try on your own; you might find that you have the ability, it is like many other activities in that sense. You might join a group meditating with mindfulness as the goal. Seek mindfulness as you exercise. There are books, courses and traditions. Ideas are endless. You can try as many as you wish; mix and match the practices. Look for those that you find most suitable and effective. And keep practicing. |
WHAT IT ISN’T
It isn’t what we do day in day out. Normally our minds are crowded with different thoughts, what we have to do, what we haven't done, what we should have done, what someone else didn't do but should have. The list goes on. Our minds are crowded. WHAT IT IS It is being able to acknowledge one thought at a time, and to experience it to the exclusion of others. No muddle. Space to think, for instance, of your breathing, or a mantra, or your shirt. Maybe a motto - “I am not a bad person”! This can be for ten minutes, or twenty, or more. WHAT YOU MUST NOT DO
Judge. You must not even judge yourself if you start to judge. It’s another of those bizarre ones. Acknowledge that you are having thoughts of judgement, but let those thoughts diminish, and get back to your mantra. WHAT YOU MUST DO When you start to have negative thoughts. Remember, if there is one person, who ever lived, deserving of your compassion, it is you. You must find time to give yourself the compassion you might give your closest friend or relative. |