When was the last time that you just sat still and allowed your mind to take you to a place? Anywhere, maybe somewhere you’d dream of being.
For me…it is always Bali, in an infinity pool that overlooks a beautiful blue beach.
Where ever that place is - you are void of expectations, responsibilities, and the demands of life. For a moment you get to just be. Just be free.
Mindfulness.
I have a former habit of overthinking. I used to think that it was because I am naturally a story teller (not via lies, but via written words…I know you thought it. Don’t play lol!), All I needed was for something to light a match in my mind and I would turn it into a wild fire. I assumed that by doing so, I was in tune with my thoughts, being mindful or whatever - which is exactly the opposite of what i was doing.
mind·ful·ness
/ˈmīn(d)f(ə)lnəs/
noun
a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.
These days I wonder if i’ve numbed myself or if I’m simply more conscious. I allow myself to see and experience people and situations solely for what they are. Nothing more. Nothing less. I am aware that this has resulted in people seeing me as rather aloof. I won’t even deny that. I’m trying to find some balance…working on it!
I remember back to how just a few months ago. The beginning of this year - I questioned if everything I’ve worked hard for was even worth it. I couldn’t see pass where I was because my nose was too far ahead nor did I take time to appreciate the present. The past experiences that lead me to where I stood. The same place that i PRAYED to be. Life will snatch your wig without a care in the world when you’re ungrateful.
I knew that running away from my feelings never worked for me.
I knew that erratic child like temper tantrums never worked for me.
I knew that crying made me feel better - but after a while you gotta dust yourself off and get back in the ring.
I appreciate stillness. I appreciate silence.
I start EVERY morning off with a routine. I don’t do anything until I’ve taken time to sit with my thoughts (meditate), pray, sit with my thoughts some more (if necessary) - then listen to Nipsey Hussle for some real nigga motivation to get my day started.
If you find yourself overthinking too much. That’s a sign that you may need to tune out (externally) and tune in (internally).
I remember when I first started meditating - it seemed like everything would push me to the edge. I assumed that everything was supposed to be peace, love, and light since I’ve become “One with Myself”. Ha! I asked a friend of mine if she experienced the same thing and her response was:
“…gotta be able to sit still during the chaos.
peace isn’t when everything is peaceful
it’s peace in chaos
remaining grounded in the midst”
Thanks Storm!
Your spirit will always tap you on the shoulder when you begin to lose yourself. That is the importance of mindfulness. You gotta find your zen…and maintain it unconditionally. You owe it to yourself to not allow just any and everything to cause you to be reactive.
Some situations arise for the purpose of attaching a mental summary to it, so in the future you know what to expect and how to deal accordingly. Same thing with people.
If you have the time - do a Google search on ‘psychology positive & negative reinforcement’. It may help you dig deeper into this.
That’s the thing i love so much about life. Everything is connected somehow - and if you keep your eyes open, you’ll see the lessons in most, if not all, of your experiences.