Mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a term that now appears very frequently and concerns all areas of our lives. A person who embarks on the exploration and application of mindfulness quickly realizes that it is not just about focusing on the observation of breath for 5-10 minutes.
In these 8 weeks, we will undertake a small personal exploration to understand in which areas we are already mindful, in which areas we may struggle, what mindfulness is, and what we can do with it. We’ll gather ideas and tips for a more mindful life.
Mindfulness has a direct relationship with sustainability. Sustainability has internal and external expressions. Delving deeper into the awareness of the cyclicality of nature, and therefore life itself, we understand that everything influences everything. Our thoughts influence our actions and vice versa. Our personal relationship with ourselves influences our circle and vice versa. No matter which area of life or application of mindfulness one chooses to start with, gradually one will affect the other, like a domino effect.
The most common references to mindfulness are made regarding the practice of meditation, self-observation, relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, and mindful eating. The most common reasons someone seeks mindfulness and its applications are due to anxiety, stress, mood swings, depression, addictions, sleep difficulties, and difficulty concentrating.
It could be one, all, or none of these reasons. The important thing is to have a clear internal answer to “Why do I want to engage in something like this?”
Mindfulness is an integral part of spirituality. Someone who engages in such practices gains more access to spiritual wealth. This does not need to fit into any religious or ideological label. It is the personal need of each individual to evolve internally, to increasingly approach the purpose of their life, and to come into contact with their path, free from beliefs and situations that no longer concern them.
Mindfulness and the "present."
Everything around mindfulness involves the present, allowing myself to be in the here and now and bringing my awareness to observation. Without the mind interfering with the past and the future.
I acknowledge everything that happens to me, what I feel, I observe my multi-dimensional existence, how I perceive my body and my senses, up to the rhythm and depth of my breath, the dominating emotions, etc. Thus, I gain clarity and restore my relationship with my physical body, my mental state, and my spiritual dimension.
With mindfulness, we reclaim our inner connection, or otherwise, our inner dialogue. In this way, we find it easier and faster to become aware of what we want/need. Thus, inner honesty is created, leading to better relationships.
To reach the calmness and self-observation as described means that one is also ready to face the challenges that arise along the way. In this journey, there are ups and downs, self-doubt, mental chatter, challenging days due to overwhelming emotions, etc. However, all this richness leads to even deeper tranquility once one enters the flow. Ultimately, the individual recognizes that everything is interconnected.
There are moments when my “here and now” experiences stress, sadness, or some other difficult situation, yet simultaneously, I become the observer of these experiences. I allow myself to live through them to take the therapeutic time (when its moment comes) to understand the lessons I have learned through the journey of my life. Consequently, I see how each of these lessons reflects in my reality.
Egoism.
At the initiation of our practice, we are tuned into our egoism because everything revolves around “us.” For example, I contemplate to feel good, and everything I start applying in my life is “for me.”
Egoism in the realm of spirituality and personal development plays a serious to even a dominant role. In the aspect of self-observation, we confront all facets of our “Ego.” It could be ego-identity, ego-separation from the environment, and many other types of how the ego expresses.
We come to recognize every possible aspect of ego-identity, to learn about ourselves, or rather, to remember, in order to find again the connection with the ego as part of the whole. We can see aspects of ourselves in every other human being (and by extension in all creatures), recognizing elements of evolution, challenges, situations, understanding, and compassion.
Ego-identity is what we perceive as personality, what makes us unique. It is an expression of the “self” that makes us recognize our uniqueness, but at the same time makes us perceive and connect with other human beings. When we manage to reconcile with ego-identity, we come to acceptance and greater connection through unconditional love. We reach unconditional love towards ourselves, which is reflected in every other person because it is fueled by compassion. Of course, we also become more aware of pain, unhappiness, lower vibrations, and lower consciousness. Simultaneously, however, we gain greater discernment regarding what relates to our vibrational level and what does not.
We approach greater wisdom more and more and remember the importance of humbleness as a virtue.
In the realm of mindfulness, there are practices whose predominant role is to break down ego-egotism as something that separates one existence from another.
This week's practice!
How to Start the Practice?
Start by answering the “why.” When we have clarified this seemingly small and simple thing before deciding whether to incorporate something or not, we always have the motivation to follow it or not. If it’s just because “it’s good” or “someone said it,” then we usually lose motivation and our goal very quickly. However, if it speaks to our inner truth, to our reality and our path, then it becomes a way of life. A way of existence.
This week, dedicate it to “Why does it concern me, and to what extent does it concern me?” and “What am I aiming for? What do I want to achieve with mindfulness?”
Search for your own way; it may be through self-reflection or writing in your journal.