We might be experiencing strong emotions these days and the associated thoughts and stories playing in our mind can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, the mind doesn't come with an instruction manual so learning how it functions often requires guidance. One effective way to harness the mind as a supportive tool—rather than letting it control us—is through a yogic concept of self-observation without judgment. This practice involves cultivating awareness and continually observing how our mind, body, life, relationships, emotions, stories, and sense of identity evolve.
Bring your attention to the body, notice how it feels.
Let your awareness rest on the areas of strongest sensation. Breathe into them and notice if your breath feels restricted.
Allow your breath to flow freely and naturally.
Notice any areas of tension in your body and gently encourage them to soften and relax.
During this process, your mind may become active, trying to pull your attention away with distractions. This is the time to stay with the experience, letting the thoughts arise and pass away in their own time.
Open yourself to feel everything that is present in your experience, letting each sensation and thought arise and pass in its own time.
As we practice being with ourselves without judgment, we cultivate greater tolerance for who we truly are, what life feels like, with less need to escape into distractions. We discover a surprising kind of happiness, one based more inside ourselves, not in life conditions being just right. Once learned, this inner freedom becomes an integral part of who we are, and it’s something that is not easily forgotten.
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