Happy times?

I know my latest posts have been rather dark and angry. That’s because it has been a rather dark and angry period in my life. I’m not going to go into what’s been going on (I’ve already done that) but I will go into what has been making it better. At least a little better.

I have been trying to be more mindful throughout my day; being the moment more often. Just taking in everything around me on a much larger scale. For example: While walking to my car in the morning I take notice of the temperature. How cold/warm it is, how the wind feels on my face, the sound of snow crunching under my feet, the birds chirping away. Rather than worrying about work, if I’m going to be late today, how the traffic is going to be.

Lately I have been getting these intense “waves” of emotion that hit me like a freight train. They come out of nowhere fast and hard then leave just as quickly. I have been trying to figure out what the heck is going on and how to handle these little emotional episodes. I have learned a cool little meditation “drill” that has really helped me be in the moment and regain control of my emotions. I’ll try to explain it here:

Get comfortable. It can be sitting, laying down, walking…anything as long as you are comfy. You can close your eyes if you like. Just take long deep breaths. Take in everything around you; the sounds, the smells…everything. Once you have relaxed take each thought/emotion that comes into your head and imagine it in front of you. I like to imagine it as a mist in front of my face (about 2-3 feet out). Acknowledge that thought/emotion and let the breeze take it away. Sometimes I wave my hand to “move” the mist away. As the mist leaves…so does the thought/emotion. DON’T force it away, just let it go softly and at its own pace. Do this for about 5-10 mins a day. After a while you will be able to clear you mind as you go throughout your day. I find myself seeing that mist often and I just swirl it with my hand and let it go. It helps me get through the little episodes I have. The bigger ones need more than just being mindful of your emotions and thoughts. For that I use walking meditation (my preferred method). But serious meditation takes serious instruction and practice. This mindfulness exercise is a great little way to start being more aware of yourself and your surroundings.

Long days and pleasant nights,
Shoeless Joe