Many people struggle with developing a mindfulness and meditation practice, me included. Somewhere inside we may believe we have to sit cross-legged on the floor, somewhat uncomfortable, to be still for about 20 minutes and not think, which to most of us seems impossible. While I have yet to develop a practice like that, I practice meditation and mindfulness all the time in other ways. 

 

I set my timer for three minutes and become very still, tuning into my senses, noticing what I hear, smell, see, taste and feel. I take a walk or sit outside to immerse myself in the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Birds singing, flowers in bloom, a gentle breeze making the leaves dance, cats running through the yard, squirrels rejoicing in the trees, the sun warming my face or the wind whipping me around to show me how much stronger it is than me—all of these help me get out of my head and into my body.  

 

My body is always in the present but my mind tends to wander. Too often I am living in my head and not my body. When that is true, I’m not experiencing present reality, which when we’re honest, most of the time is really good. No matter what’s going on around me, often my present moment is perfect. 

 

I may bring sadness, loss or anger into the present moment but if I suspend these emotions temporarily, I will see life in all of its beautiful perfection. A therapist once introduced me to the concept of using an emotional container to help me learn to put my feelings (and thoughts about those feelings) aside when needed so they don’t rule my life 24/7.

 

You can do this too. Imagine a container on a shelf and just for the moment, place your intense thoughts and feelings inside to come back to later. We aren’t avoiding them forever, but it can be useful to learn how to give ourselves a break and get back to what's true right now.

 

We must remember that emotions are real but they are not reality. They just summarize how we are feeling in the moment. They may also reflect the things we’re carrying around from the past. If left to their own devices, our emotions can run our lives, sending us from one tumultuous reaction to another. We have the power to direct our thoughts back to the present, to what is real and how we want to feel. 

 

I always want to give a disclaimer that if you’re grieving for instance, of course those feelings must be felt but they don’t have to consume every waking moment. Even in the depths of grief, we can intentionally set aside five minutes every day to take a time out and notice what is good. Is the sun shining? Is the rainfall soothing? What else is “just right” in a day or a season in life where many things feel “all wrong?”

 

Another lesson I am learning is how to feel opposing emotions simultaneously, while also staying present. This week I had tremendous gratitude while also experiencing significant hurt, grief and anger. Ironically both had to do with the same situation.

 

With much prayer and compassion for myself and from others, and with a sincere desire to dwell in the gratitude and in the hope I choose to place in the future (instead of doom and gloom, which is often so easy to do), I keep choosing again and again where I want to allow my thoughts to wander. It is a choice that I have to make repeatedly when my feelings are this intense.

 

No matter how strong our feelings may be, the truth is our minds are stronger. We simply must make a decision to exercise that power. And of course to ask for help because personally, I never want to discount the power of prayer working on my behalf. Sharing our struggles and asking for help is an important step of surrender which demonstrates that we are open to receiving help. When something feels bigger than us, we need help that’s bigger than us.

 

Mindfulness is a way to get our thoughts and emotions present and right-sized again. In this way, I see mindfulness as a superpower that is readily available to anyone, anywhere, at any time, at no charge. 

 

I have often defined mindfulness simply as being where we are, while we’re there, for as long as we’re there. Thoughts and feelings can come and go but when we stay grounded to our senses, we can experience both and stay in the present.

 

It’s only when I dwell more in my head that I leave my body, which in turn means I’m leaving reality and the present behind. When I don’t inhabit all of me, I don’t have access to all of my power.

 

We have been made powerful beings. Life throws challenges and in those times especially, we need all of our spiritual, emotional and physical resources.

 

Mindfulness is a gift we can all tap into. Practicing mindfulness is similar to developing any spiritual or physical muscle. With regular use, our mindfulness muscle will gain strength. 

 

Anytime we catch ourselves drifting into the past or into the future, or into a conversation that has or hasn’t happened yet (or may never happen ... hello fantasy conversations!), the minute we have awareness our mind has “left the building,” we can bring ourselves back.

 

If we’re washing dishes, we can notice the temperature of the water on our hands. We can appreciate the slick texture of a glass or a plate. We can listen to the running water and observe the motion involved in scrubbing a pot.

 

Unfortunately, some of us use powers that aren't so super. At times I feel like my anger can turn me into a flaming arrow, but that isn’t the superpower I want to be known for. And while a cloak of invisibility might be fun momentarily, I want to know that I’m seen and heard and that my voice matters. Faster than a speeding bullet? Yup! That’s been me. I’m very familiar with running at the speed of light, and yet I want to let go of that bad habit, to slow down so that all of me is present more often. 

 

For today, I’m going to choose mindfulness as the superpower I want to rediscover and practice. What other superpowers make us stronger and help us get the most out of our days and lives? Let’s choose to master those and let the rest go. Remember, we are already super. How powerful we are is up to us.
 

 

__________________________

 

Cheers to a great week, noticing the gifts that matter most. Feel free to share this with a friend. Until next time...

 

To your gifts!

 

Angela

 

Monthaven Art Society Spring Art Exhibit
Our Spring Exhibit will open Friday, April 19 and run through Sunday, May 5 at the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center, 1017 Antebellum Circle, Hendersonville. Over 29 artists participating with over 100 works of all styles and mediums. The opening reception will be Sunday, April 28, 2 to 5 PM with good eats and live music. See you there!
 
Speaking, Art and Book Event
On April 30, I will be speaking at a community event to kick off a year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville. Coffee starts at 9 am and my talk will start at 10 am. Books and paintings will be available for sale and I am also donating a painting which will be auctioned off that morning to raise funds for improvements to their historic cemetery. Hope to see you!
 
P.S.
FTG Readers Group Rocks! I'm so grateful to walk this journey with you all and I love reading your comments in our Facebook Readers Group. Please join the conversation if you're not already a member. Your voice is important!
 
Book Reviews Help So Much!
If you haven't already, would you please leave a book review on Amazon and/or Goodreads? Thank you in advance for taking a moment to do this and much appreciation to those who already have!