With the week ahead of you, how do you want to show up to the challenges that this week brings? While some of the challenges we face come towards us from the outside, we all experience internal obstacles from time to time too.
Looking at the week ahead, you might have an idea of the challenges you could expect. Create for yourself a picture of how you want to be able to show up and take the time to rehearse it in your mind.
Here are two beautiful examples from Jon Kabat-Zinn and Bankei Yotaku of how we might approach both outer and inner obstacles:
“Mindfulness practice means that we commit fully in each moment to be present; inviting ourselves to interface with this moment in full awareness, with the intention to embody as best we can an orientation of calmness, mindfulness, and equanimity right here and right now in this moment.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally – and your soul knows how to do this.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
“Don’t hate the arising of thoughts or try to stop the thoughts that do arise. Simply realize that our original mind, right from the start, is beyond thought, so that no matter what, you never get involved with all of the thinking. Illuminate original mind, and no other understanding is necessary.” – Zen Master Bankei Yotaku
John Kabat-Zinn calls it “soul” and Bankei Yotaku calls it “original mind”, but both point to something deeper within us that is beyond mere thought.
Whether the stimulus we’re responding to comes from outside ourselves or within, it is when we’re trying to avoid it, hide from it, or get involved in a fight with it that we lose access to this higher wisdom.
Victor Frankl said it slightly differently:
“In between stimulus and response there is a space. In this space lies our choice, and in this space lies our freedom.” – Victor Frankl
We have the ability to grow this space when we set the intention of being mindful and present, no running, no hiding and also no fighting. Remind yourself to pause and take a few deep and slow breaths until your soul shows you what action to take, because in this space we also find access to our wisdom.
Make it your goal this week to recognize when you need to take a step back and just breathe, before you take the next step forward.
To cultivate a more mindful approach to life, consider these guiding mantras:
- Pause and Breathe: Before responding to a situation, take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
- Embrace the Present Moment: Accept the present moment as if you had chosen it.
- Practice Non-Judgment: Observe your thoughts and feelings without judging yourself for having them.
- Cultivate Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life, expressing gratitude for the blessings you have.
By practising mindfulness, we can expand this space and cultivate the freedom to choose a wise and compassionate response. We can learn to pause, breathe, and connect with our inner wisdom before reacting impulsively. In doing so, we can transform our challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Jumpstart the week!