BLOG: Quieting the Mind

I know I've used this image before, but I LOVE it. It is the picture of serenity.

For someone who has spent time in the grips of a robustly active mind or unbridled anxiety, serenity can seem impossible.

But there it is, the ideal set in stone to endure the ages and show us that it is possible. Or at least possible in the mind of the maker.

How can it be, though, when I have ALL THESE THOUGHTS? Like a runaway train with a cow catcher, they push aside any and all semblance peace and calm.

Constant, urgent, unsettling thoughts which push and push and mold themselves into every crevice to become ALL we ever think about. All we ever ARE.

It took me almost half a lifetime to understand that the thoughts weren't ME. I had mistaken DesCartes' I think therefore I am, to mean I am my thoughts. 

Unfortunate, the pain that caused.

The reality is that our thoughts can be considered one of the shrouding layers surrounding the Self. But they are NOT the SELF. They are not who we are.  

We can learn to stop the thundering train and begin the process of revealing the Self through detachment from the thoughts.

And this we achieve through a mindfulness practice.

And oh what a practice it is, but as with most things, a consistent practice will get you everywhere. 

You will be able to let go of your thoughts.

You will be able to stay present in the face of them.

You will cease to be emotionally charge by them.

You will get your serenity... and sleep :)

But it is definitely a practice....

THE PRACTICE

Begin by scheduling one minute of sacred, not-to-be-scheduled-over space on your calendar for the same time each day. One minute. No Joke.

Step 1. GET COMFORTABLE 

Sit comfortably and close your eyes.

Step 2. TUNE IN TO YOUR BREATHING (or your amazing morning coffee, tea, lemon water)

Turn your attention to your breath and where you most feel it in your body. It could be your diaphragm, side body, or nostrils. Wherever it is, this will be your anchor.

I also adore the idea of tuning into the experience of enjoying your morning cup of coffee, the feel of it in your hands, the smell, the taste, the sensation as it washes down into your stomach, the brilliance of the caffeine hitting your system. Mmmmm. 

Either way, tune in and create your anchor.

Step 3. DETACH FROM YOUR THOUGHTS

When thoughts arise, simply notice them without judgment, label them (planning, problem solving, stressing) and send them off, returning to your anchor.

That's it! It's just that simple. And it will take practice, practice, practice. Consistent, abiding, if brief, practice.

Know that some days you may feel as if you thoroughly failed to detach from your thoughts. But here's the thing, it's not at all about the success. It's about the trying, with consistency.

After two weeks, increase your time to two minutes, or increase it when you feel as if no time has passed during your sittings. Eventually work yourself up to as many minutes as is feasible on a consistent basis.

It is about consistency. Every day recommitting to this practice.

And if you do, your ability to let go of, stay present in the face of, and not be emotionally charged by thoughts will improve. And so too will your stress level, the quality of your sleep and the level of your creativity/productivity.

When you find that you have skipped a day, several days, or weeks, simply pick it up again, no judgment, and start again, because it is a practice.