Working With The Mind To Change The Mind
Do you ever wonder, “Why can’t I change that nagging habit? Or why can’t I drop that unpleasant judgment I have about myself? Or, how do I stop that difficult emotion from erupting suddenly?
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Today we’re exploring how we can work with out minds to change our minds.
To change our minds, mindfulness is our starting point. Although being aware and present with what is arising in us isn’t usually enough to change anything, it gives us a lot of information about “what’s happening now” without us getting pulled into it. Being present with what is here and acknowledging it is an important inner resource; we won’t get far by avoiding what’s here or falling headlong into it. How can we change something that we can’t be with and acknowledge? We can’t.
We see how the equanimity we build in our mindfulness meditation practice becomes an ally—an inner resource we can always count on, and how going through the body to get a felt sense of what is here is the way to unfolding the whole thing, and how self-compassion is another inner resource that we can use any time, any where to be with what is here with love and caring. This ability to be with, be steady, and be compassionate to ourselves are key to developing resilience, yet another key inner resource.
This week you might try this kind of practice that starts with being with what is present and then settles in to feel the felt sense in the body about the whole thing and then stay with the unfolding bringing us wisdom about the whole thing.
A note of caution, if you ever feel like what is here is too big, or overwhelming, or too scary, then stop. Drop your awareness down into your feet feeling them connected to the ground and describe aloud how they feel from the outside in. Open the eyes and looking around the room you are in, name five things that you see. Stand up and take a walk. Have a cup of tea. And, most importantly reach out to a health professional for help. We all need someone’s professional help from time to time.
Spend some time contemplating equanimity and practicing getting in touch with the felt sense in the body, and enjoy the show. Practice is how we learn. I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.
Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;
Bill Rafferty for technical web support;
Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and
Margaret Haas for announcing the show
Be well. Be mindful.
DISCLAIMER
The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.
