Any how - I do know that I have a hot cup of tea in my hand and it’s a particularly good one. This one thing is a statement of fact. I know this to be true.
The ex-fiancee (don’t worry, she’s now my wife - she likes my little jokes) tells me I make a fine brew, so she must think it’s true too.
But that could well be a particularly clever strategy to keep me motivated to make tea for her. Hmmmm…. she is tricksier than she looks.
What is true?
You ever think you were hungry, get distracted by something and then realise you are no longer hungry?
I have.
Actually, you ever not been hungry, and then started thinking about food - I don’t know, maybe you were writing about food, and even though you are not hungry all of sudden you’re at the refrigerator door?
Yup, I have - almost got up in search of a bacon burger just now.
Ever think: “there’s no way I can go on?” And yet you hitch up your trousers and carry on?
Yup, me too. Both when I was lost out walking (the ex-fiancee was not impressed); and lost out in the wilder regions of my own mind.
Finding a way back to the clearing - both times - was such a relief.
But here’s the thing:
Your thoughts do not have to be your reality.
They can be optional, they can be a fleeting movement of opinion floating through your awareness.
The result of believing your thoughts means that you become them.
That’s fine if they’re good thoughts - all is well; catastrophic when you have bad thoughts. You start ducking and diving, weaving and jabbing - like some kind of deranged Muhammed Ali in a running battle with your own head.
Hard work.
You can’t control your thoughts - you really can’t. I’ve tried stopping them, and it almost caused me a nosebleed. You can try if you want, but make sure you have some tissues ready.
Much much easier is to learn how to let them go by. Develop an attitude of “I don’t care” - and learn to watch and observe.
Then you’re free. The most awful thought in the world can continue to pop into your head and because it isn’t the truth, just an option, you breathe easy.
And that is the biggest secret of meditation. Learn to ignore, put your attention on what you want to grow.
It gets simpler through practice, and the right tools, promise you that.
And the practice is quite nice too. Relaxing and rejuvenating.
Need anything? Send me an email. Till then, take it easy - Arjuna
Mountain Mindset - mental fitness programme for outdoor fellas.
I’ve been busy putting the final touches on my experimental trial for outdoor athletes that I was telling you about yesterday.
I’m on the hunt for some guinea pigs - I really want to see what the results will be for these guys who get selected when they do exactly what I ask them.
I’m predicting the ability to ignore doubt and fear and launch into the outdoors with heightened awareness and heightened skills. Relaxed but focussed. Setting the mind to one side, and "just doing it". Total enjoyment and satisfaction. Coming home completely content.
If you think you might be one (you have to be male, between 27-47 and be in easy access of Darlington) or you think you might know one, here’s the link:
https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/outdoors/
Places are limited!