Meditation does not only change the way your brain is wired – you can read more about this on Mindful, Psychology Today and Forbes – but it also helps you change your mind into an empowering instrument meant to assisting you in achieving that what you need.
Basically, our thoughts are the first step of modelling our realities. It all starts there, at the level of the mind. That’s why we have to also “intervene” at the same level to change our mind, one step at a time.
- Firstly, let’s look into the relationship we have with our thoughts
Thoughts pop up as they wish, when we are not mindful and focus our attention on the present moment. It’s interesting to see what kind of attitude we have towards our thoughts. Do we welcome them, do we try to banish them, do we indulge in them, do we ignore them? Realising where you stand in relation to your thoughts can give you great insight about the way to go about transforming your mind. And more important, to understand whether your thoughts are taking the lead on your choices.
- What’s your favourite thoughts theme?
Once you start observing your thoughts, you. ll also become aware of the themes that constantly swirl in your mind. True, sometimes, the mind just creates distractive thoughts. The mind often gets wrapped up in thoughts usually when you’re experiencing physical pain or fear, so when the protection mechanism fires up.
Thinking themes are easy to spot, since they are quite more obvious. These thoughts tend to be repetitive, like reiterating the same issue over and over again. When you feel you’ve recognised the same thought several times throughout the day, look into what feeling it triggers. Are you angry, worried or just have a certain feeling about an issue? Call it as it is.
Meditation is the shortcut for making out the texture of your repetitive thoughts. For example, beginners strive a lot with angry mind. After sitting in the meditation position for a little while, they start feeling irritated and want to quit. Worried mind is another one. All these concerns start popping into the mind, distracting you from focusing and stilling your mind.
How to go about it? The mind has to become disinterested with the theme. Admitting that thinking about the matter is not helping is a way to get disenchanted with the process of thinking in a loop or surrendering to inadequate feelings.
What do I do when I do want to continue thinking about it, you might ask? Sometimes we don’t want to let go if our thoughts, since we’re curious about the theme they’re revealing: anger, anxiety, stress, or we just want to spend more time in a reverie. If it is the case, and you feel you want to let your thoughts unfold during your meditation session, just let it happen. Let your thoughts play out everything they’ve got. Many of us identify with our thoughts and feelings, thus making it even harder to let them go. We believe we are our way of thinking and our emotions. That is why it is important to let yourself the space to explore your thoughts and feelings, observe them without judgement and let go of those that are weighing you down.
- Reinvent the process of letting go
Sometimes, we try to push our thoughts and feelings aside. Force doesn’t do us any good, though. Learn to let go by relaxing, not fighting against your thoughts.
The more we apply force, the more we create tension inside the mind. When the mind feels under attack, it fires back. So better acknowledge your thoughts and also decide to let them go, with softness and kindness. Remember when you are falling asleep and the book slowly slips out of your hands? Thoughts go the same way. Just let the thoughts glide out of your mind. Be serene, trust the process and smile.
That’s all from us. What are your mind changing experiences?