I’ve heard a fair some of “far out” theories and perspectives upon life, the universe, and this thing called energy. Some people go on and on until they hit a point where they themselves are not sure if they believe what they’re saying (lol when some kid talks about quantum physics after watching a 15 minute youtube video). While others get so determined and passionate that it feels and seems that they need me or who ever else is listening to agree before they stop. Who are we ‘trying to convince’ and why?

I view myself as an openminded person, but there comes a point where I stand my ground. Getting roped into and listening to spotty information has been something that I have allowed in my personal space for too long. My new approach is one that can be a little intense, but is what I need in the present moment. I become very alert and metaphorically catch each word that is being outputted and directed towards me. Depending on what or who I am tuning into I do this intensely or in a more laid back manner. (I base it on prior experiences with the other person, and how much I trust them and their understandings / knowledge). This goes for the lyrics in music, conversations I have, videos on youtube, movies, books and other outlets and channels of information. A fun image to think of, that makes me laugh 🙂 is Jane Lynch in the movie, Role Models. When she’s all like I’m “BS proof”. (Watch the Scene: here , sorry for the low quality).

One thing that I have noticed is that some people are not use to this intense presence, and are not yet fully able to receive it. I notice this when the other persons facial expression / body language tenses us. If this happens, no worries. I ease back on the intensity and hold space by deep calm breathes, relaxing my body and shoulder, and perhaps even throwing in a smile or two 🙂 If tension still lingers I check in with the distance that I am standing from the person and dance around a little bit finding a comfortable spot for both of us.

Now when it comes to communication: think not only about the words you use, but how you use them, and when to use them. Be descriptive, and create a cohesive story with a clear beginning and end. A fun perspective is how words are vibrations that we send out into the world. It literally starts from within and then leaves and moves out into the world. There is real power in words and the conscious act of deliberately choosing what you say can change the way people hear and see you.

Now here’s the big one: WHAT ARE YOU CREATING?

Thinking of the mind as whole bunch of nodes with connections to other nodes that are frequently related and associated we can image that the mind can get caught up in patterns of thinking. As we start to repeat ourselves through life and continuously have the same reactions to events, people, and situations we start to mold ourselves into a box of who we are. Without a consistent practice of mindfulness one may “become stuck in their ways”. Now language and awareness of our thoughts and speech can create opportunities for new ways of reacting. Overtime this can create a new state of being. The unfortunate part is that it takes time.

In addition to time this type of mindfulness needs to be accompanied by patience and self-compassion. The reasoning is that if you try to “fix” and change yourself all at once there is going to be a lot of resistance and internal conflict. It’s like being on a train that’s headed North at a 100 mph. Then with no warning the conductor flip directions without slowing down or making an announcement to the crew or passengers. This metaphor is about mindfulness.

If you are new to mindfulness then you have perhaps been allowing your mind to run around as it pleases.

“The mind is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master.”

Robin Sharma

Without the tool of mindfulness it is difficult to create and sustain a state of balance within the body and mind. Perhaps you practice mindfulness and are not even aware of it, or maybe you have a different name for it. Whatever it is, if it works for you then that’s all what matters.

In its simplest form mindfulness is the practice of being the witness. The witness observes, watches, and feels as emotions and thoughts come and go. There is not objective. There is nothing to do. But be still and let go to urges to react. Breath work is a great way to do something in the practice of not doing anything (lol). Being aware of the breath and the sensations in the body help to see what we are holding onto and where we are holding tension. There’s much more that can be explored within mindfulness, breath work, and meditation, so stay tuned for more content!

Now coming back and wrapping up the whole path of self compassion. When someone first comes into mindfulness and meditation it might be overwhelming to sit with oneself. There might be a lot of thoughts. A lot of feeling. It can be hard to handle. So its important not try and all a sudden change direction of the train. (Going back to the metaphor). Allow the train to slow down. Feel the train and get to know and understand the machinery that you are working with. Then as you are able to get the train to a halt and at ease and peace then take the train in other directions.

The path is an ongoing process with chapters, and it may be discouraging to not receive the benefits in the beginning… But it is very much worth it. Hopefully I’ve encouraged you to start or continue on the path of self-compassion through mindfulness, for the work is worth it. You deserve to feel peace. You deserve to feel happy in your body machine.

For more, stay tuned. So much love yo.