Mindfulness and the Mind


            A common spiritual practice is to be mindful, which is another way of saying to be present. A common misunderstanding is that mindfulness should be limited to the body’s activities; to its breathing, feelings, and activities.
            Sometimes clients say things like, “I struggle to stay present, but I’m worried about my son” or “I want to be present, but I can’t stop thinking about what my sister said to me last week”, etc. They feel that they shouldn’t be thinking about anything but what the body is doing. But the mind is going to continue to think until it does not. So mindfulness must include being present to the mind’s present thoughts, even when those thoughts are about the past or the future.
            When you are doing tasks that do not require much thought, like cooking, washing dishes, pulling weeds, engaging in a quiet hobby, etc., you find your mind processing the day just passed, a book read or movie seen, an issue in your life, an insight, something in the past, possible outcomes in the future, etc. This is natural and essential, as processing eventually winds down, leaving your mind quiet so that you can tune into the Awareness of Truth (Holy Spirit) beyond all of those superficial thoughts.
Mindfulness is a way of being with yourself (mind) where you are, which is in this moment. And in this moment you are experiencing a body, yes, but also thoughts. If you try to cut those out of this moment, you are denying part of your experience!

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Do you want support and guidance as you on your path? Email me at Liz@acimmentor.com to set up an appointment for mentoring. Learn more at www.acimmentor.com.

Comments

Susie said…
This is such a challenge...and of course what the Course is about....All the training...I have so over the years learnt, if nothing else, just how undisciplined I am. I can start the day with all the best intentions and get to the end and WHOAH...where's been the mindfulness...??
We are SO as human beings busy keeping our heads full of most of the time nothing much at all! WHICH is why over the years more lately I've very much valued 4 Habits for Inner Peace....they really provide easily accessible steps to this process..Thanks Liz. X
4:13 PM
Ken Purvis said…
Excellent article, Liz, and as always brief and to the point.
Thanks,
Ken Purvis
7:47 AM
Erich said…
The type of meditation I've done actually short circuits the thought process. If I can stay focused on the task of meditation, I can get to a quieter place. The issue now is the ongoing Benzo w/d's that restricts one's ability to focus. There are numerous times in a day, I just have to give up - come back to it later since it cannot be forced and only causes further stress.
11:50 PM
ACIM Mentor said…
Even people not going through Benzo withdrawal have trouble meditating, Erich. Your approach is appropriate for anyone having trouble meditating - stop and try again later.
7:43 AM
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