Over the years, I have found that my mind is a playscape full of many open tabs and opinions that don't belong to me. The mind can be just as chaotic as it can be beautiful. Often, I have found myself sitting down to meditate, only to be reminded of a mistake I made in high school or a few weeks ago. I have learned that my mind can trick me into believing that I should constantly be worried, that I am not good enough, and that I need to change everything about myself. Left unchecked, my mind could quickly become my biggest enemy.
So what is the solution to this problem? Our minds are 100% responsible for how we think, operate, and maintain relationships with the world and ourselves. A champion basketball player could have all the right tools, athleticism, talent, and discipline to train, but if they can not master their mind, they are bound to lose all their games. Most of us were not taught the importance of understanding the mind while in school. We were taught math, science, history, and English, yet no one paused to teach a class on mindfulness.
Well, my friend, I'm here to tell you that it is not too late to master your mind. Mastering your mind will unlock many keys when you feel angry, lost, and confused. Our minds and emotions are deeply intertwined. You may find yourself being reminded of an unpleasant memory within your mind and instantly feeling grief or sadness within your body. This may show up as stomach issues or other physical pain.
When battling our thoughts, we can take control and utilize our willpower to achieve growth. They say the mind is a terrible thing to waste, so instead of giving up on your brain and its process, let's find ways to support growth better. Here are 5 Ways to Slow Down Your Thoughts:
1. Take a Moment to Observe Your Surroundings - Certain environments can feel overwhelming at work, in a crowd, or even in your home.
2. Find a Safe Place to Sit - When your mind is racing, finding a comfortable seat can be very grounding.
3. Move Inward - Feel free to close your eyes if it feels safe. Give yourself time to land back inside of your body.
4. Observe Your Breath - Pay attention to the natural rhythm of your breath flowing in and out of your body. Allow yourself to begin to cultivate a sense of presence over time gradually. Notice how your breath feels inside of your body.
5. Observe Your Thoughts - Allow each thought populating inside of your mind to exist without judgment. Allow each thought to pass as you sit and pay attention to your breath. Allow yourself to feel peaceful as your thoughts transform themselves over time. You may find yourself working through past pain and trauma while you are at ease. The longer you sit, the better the results.
Give this practice a try, and let me know how it goes! Be sure to subscribe for more, and follow me online!