Had a lovely talk the other night - in a railway carriage of all places.
Super cool people, and a very good question from someone -
All about mindfulness and feelings.
Now you might be aware that mindfulness is going off at the moment.
It’s the new yoga -
Promising to help in every part of your life.
The NHS is getting on board,
Gym trainers doing it after their circuit classes,
Celebs like Katy Perry are giving it props,
Headspace and Insight Timer are some of the most popular apps out there, and are an excellent introduction,
But.
(There’s always a but isn’t there…?)
I’m not sure if it’s the way it’s been taught
Or just people getting confused
But I certainly hear some weird things.
This lady used to think - and she’s not the first -
That being mindful is all about being aware and feeling your feelings.
So if you’re annoyed, you feel your annoyance, and that’s the way it is.
If you’re sad, you feel your sadness, and that’s the way it is.
If you’re anxious, you feel your anxiety, and that’s the way it is.
Noticing you’re feeling a certain thing is a great first step -
However, after that you can CHOOSE to not be annoyed or sad or anxious -
To take a half step back and be free of it.
You don’t have to be stuck with something you don’t like.
You can CHOOSE to change your attention on the thoughts that are with the emotion.
Then it can flow through and be gone super quick,
As opposed to telling yourself the same story and keeping the emotion in place - for days sometimes.
The sooner you notice, the easier it is, for sure …
The more you practice, the better you get, for sure …
But it is quite simple to go beyond being consumed and taken over by anything.
Mindfulness and awareness isn’t just the acceptance of feeling any old way.
It’s not about rolling over and giving up -
The next essential step is to choose to put your attention on something else.
Emotions, feelings, and the thought labels that define them are just a small part of the big picture.
Learning to identify and rest in your own presence,
The source of your own awareness,
The field of infinite stillness beyond everything else,
Means you aren’t just left feeling angry or frustrated or sad.
OK?
That there changed my life, truly.
Give it a go, and let me know if you have any questions.
I have a free download if you want ideas on how to be really present and free of stress and struggle and intense emotion.
Head this way to get a copy:
https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sane-fb
Have a great day!
Arjuna
PS.
You are in charge of what you feel.
No one makes you feel anything.
You - through habit - choose to get involved and feel that way.
Since it’s a habit, you can make a new habit.
You CAN do it - but you have to begin!