In this moment, there is plenty of time. In this moment, you are precisely as you should be, and in this moment, there is infinite possibility. – Victoria Moran
I think I am the most impatient person in this world. I forget that things actually take time, and everything is a work in progress.
I am definitely guilty for not focusing on the present! As mentioned in my previous blog I am forever wishing time away especially if it’s something I am not able to control.
Every hardship I encounter, big or small, I am constantly thinking of the repercussions I have created in my head, which, if I said out loud, you would probably look at me, laugh, and tell me ‘you need to chill’. This is because I am such an over thinker and worrier and I have already created five potential hazards in my head (the brain is such a dangerous place sometimes am I right?!)
But as soon as I acknowledged this and had more self-awareness I thought: how can I invest the time in myself?
In April I decided to start therapy.
Before lockdown began in January my dad had to travel for some work (I have not seen him for over seven months now because of the pandemic, but he is safe and sound and should be home soon) I was stressing about my family, future and I also had not long spilt up with my ex, so you can imagine how much of an emotional wreck I was. I was not in a very good place and it took me a while to realise that I could really do with reaching out.
Therapy is one of the best things I decided to do. I started unravelling and learning a lot of things about myself such as how to cope better with things, communicate better and in general do better. I personally feel that everyone can benefit with a little bit of therapy however it can be very daunting to those who are not able to express themselves or find it uncomfortable chatting to a complete stranger.
Alongside my therapy I started to look into mindfulness. If you are ever wondering where to begin, check out ‘The Sunshine Box’ which is designed to promote healthy well-being. Below is some information that is contained inside the box:
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness involves knowing directly what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment.
It’s easy to stop noticing the world around us. It’s also easy to lose touch with the way our bodies are feeling and to end up living ‘in our heads’-caught up in our thoughts without stopping to notice how those thoughts are driving our emotions and behaviour.
How mindfulness helps mental wellbeing
Becoming more aware of the present moment can help us enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better.
When we become more aware of the present moment, we begin to experience afresh things that we have been taking for granted.
Mindfulness also allows us to become more aware of the stream of thoughts and feelings that we experience and to see how we become entangled in thoughts that are not helpful.
This lets us stand back from our thoughts and start to see their patterns. Gradually, we can train ourselves to notice when our thoughts are taking over and realise that thoughts are simply ‘mental events’ that do not have to control us. Awareness of this kind also helps us notice signs of stress or anxiety earlier and helps us deal with them better.
How to be more mindful
As well as practising mindfulness in daily life, it can be helpful to set aside time for a formal mindfulness practice.
Mindfulness meditation involves sitting silently and paying attention to thoughts, sounds, and then sensations of breathing or parts of the body, bringing your attention back whenever the mind starts to wander.
Yoga can also help with developing awareness of your breathing.
Whilst going through therapy and practicing mindfulness I realised that time is a healer, being human means I am allowed to feel whatever I want but I don’t need to kick myself for it. Instead I can just process the thoughts, emotions and try to focus on the positive things that make me happy.
So go ahead, start and finish your days off with some mindfulness. Manifest that precious time in yourself. You may notice some gradual changes, big or small, whatever it is I would love to know how you get on!
Ren's Rambles 