Mindfulness Today

It is imperative that we promote mental health within the pandemic we are facing as a society today. We find ourselves constantly unsure about our shelter, food, our jobs, and where this is all going. While we do this, we take in events on social media which are constantly happening around the world. Breathe. Turn off your notifications at night and destress. It's been scientifically proven to improve the quality of sleep. Go on youtube, and learn some yoga poses, difficult, but doable. Trust that if you think you can't do it, you can certainly try. Stay present in your immediate surroundings and listen to objects moving like fans, your dog, your breath, the chaos outside if you live in a city.

I recently rewatched Midnight Gospel for the third time (by choice) and I have to say, it helped put things into perspective for me, mindfully, I mean. I can say the world is in chaos right now and there are many things on our minds, but that does not change the many things occurring around us that we have no control over. Be more mindful. More present. "It's easier said than done". Isn't it weird how difficult it is to destress from a society we constantly live and socialize in?

De-stressing is as simple as stopping all movement, closing your eyes, and breathing; in through the nose, out through the mouth. Let your mind roam and gently guide your thoughts back to the feeling of your direct surroundings. The feeling of your feet on the ground, and as a reference from Midnight Gospel, try to feel your hands while they are still with your eyes closed. For me, I feel something similar to a flow of energy -- it could also just be the feeling of air on my hands -- but would you look at that .... I'm present, and that's what meditating helps you experience.

Meditation brings mindfulness but it is not something that we can learn in one day. This is because mindfulness involves unlearning. If you've ever tried unlearning something before you know it can be quite time consuming. I tried intermittent fasting recently and my body literally fought me to unlearn and change the times I eat, so why would this be any different? Short answer -- It's not.

We have been conditioned to be "on the go" every time we wake up, without any regard for what our bodies need to sort through. We do this as we take in all the data from our beds to work and back. Eat, Pray, Love is but a dream for most people and mental health has reached an all time high. Coincidence? I think not. As we can see, the current formula of our lifestyles is not sustainable.

I am not saying meditation is the answer to all your problems because it's not. Meditation is a tool used to gain mindfulness and mindfulness reminds you to come back to the present, before throwing yourself into the chaos all around. As someone who suffers from anxiety, I can say that I have cultivated a habit of smelling the roses, thanks to some meditation. Breathe.

Yes, we are in a pandemic. No, we don't know where society is headed. Yes, the world has a terrible system. But also, your mind needs a break from everything. If you're privileged enough to take a mental break -- the fact that this statement is able to exist is very inhumane but I digress -- If you have the privilege to take a mental break please do your mind and body a favour..... Breathe. I'll link 2 yoga videos that continue to help me through this chaotic period. Give it a try. What have you got to lose?

Photo source

Stocksy.com

Written Sources

https://www.metanexus.net/archive/conference2003/pdf/WOLPaper_Kristeller_Jean.pdf