When the mind is restless, lost in thoughts, rumination easily sets in, henceforth anxious and depressive thoughts. This is a practice of bringing the attention back to the present moment, being intentional in noticing what one is experiencing, for example, “I am thinking”, “I am breathing”, “I am feeling this gentle breeze”. The simple act of constantly bringing the mind back to the here and now is about training the mind muscle to be still and steady, breaking out of our depressive and anxious cycle.
You Reading This, Be Ready, by William Stafford
Starting here, what do you want to remember?
How sunlight creeps along a shining floor?
What scent of old wood hovers, what softened
sound from outside fills the air?
Will you ever bring a better gift for the world
than the breathing respect that you carry
wherever you go right now? Are you waiting
for time to show you some better thoughts?
When you turn around, starting here, lift this
new glimpse that you found; carry into evening
all that you want from this day. This interval you spent
reading or hearing this, keep it for life –
What can anyone give you greater than now,
starting here, right in this room, when you turn around?
Guide: Noelle Lim
Image credit: Nicolas Houdayer, Unsplash
Kindermind Center 