In North America, we are dealing with a great percentage of our population who feel disillusioned and even depressed. Many people just like you and I are dealing with their day-to-day existence by simply attempting to stay one step ahead of struggle while publishing pictures and posts on social media that tell a different story. At the same time, mindfulness is also enjoying a rise in popularity. More and more folks from every walk of life are seeking to understand what mindfulness means and how they might use it in order to discover a better quality of life.
Mindfulness, by definition, is the practice of being aware of yourself. It is tapping into your thoughts and feelings. In my opinion, what is most important is how you are feeling about your thoughts! To be mindful, in the truest sense, is to observe in a nonjudgmental way. It is also doing your best to be in the present, not in the past, and not in the future. The reason for this is because when you are present and in the moment, you are more able to choose what you focus on.
It stands to reason that if you are able to be in the moment and choose what you focus on, you may even become able to uplift your mood and create for yourself more positive brain chemistry, quite literally. It is true that what you think about you bring about and most importantly, it is true that what you feel deepest about are the things you bring – energetically- perpetually into your life. The reality is that when you are paying attention to what you are thinking, which in turn allows you to be present, this puts you in charge of where you are and where you are mindfully (emotionally) headed
Here’s how it works. What you focus on programs into your brain, especially subjects you are emotionally connected to. In whatever direction your brain fires, it ultimately wires together, which is why depression can become crippling. The good news is, however, that if you are able to focus your thoughts and feelings in areas, or in a direction, that uplifts and even inspires you. Although this means doing a deep dive to allow your feelings and thoughts to align in the direction you would choose, your brain will eventually become your ally in this much more desirable direction.
I’m not saying that mindfulness is the answer to all mental health issues but using mindfulness as a daily practice can make a truly positive change on every level of your life. As my contribution to you, I have a short and powerful mindful practice entitled, “Feel Better Now” which you can download by going to my website.
You are capable of more than you know.
Find out more about (Rev) Deborah Bishop here.