SELF-FOCUS: CHANGE
We often think that if we could just control what somebody else thinks, says, does, and how they perceive us or the world, we would feel peaceful, and happy, and be our ideal selves.
In reality, the only person we need to focus on is ourselves – what we think, say, and do, how we perceive what’s happening around us, and what we are doing to deal with it. I do mean DEAL with it too, not just push it under a rug and avoid it. When we are aware enough to move out of the “I know” mindset, to learn how to be happy with who we are and where we are at, and prioritise some key new concepts, we will be struck by how simple and straightforward it is to experience true emotional well-being.
Concept One - Expanding your worldview (instead of living through a one-sided perspective)
Meditation
Most people’s idea of what meditation is and can be is quite limited. To meditate is to simply draw attention inward and focus one’s mind for a period of time. This could be during reflective journaling, cooking, gardening, daydreaming, or other active or passive tasks where your conscious mind can “check out” and you can move into at least an alpha brainwave range. We all meditate in some form; just some do it consciously, while others do it more unconsciously. What demands some attention is whether when you “zone out” you focus on the “negative” such as fear-based thoughts of the future, a healthy journey into your higher desire, or introspection to see your reflection with less distortion?
You don’t have to become a Zen monk or start humming under a triangular frame to meditate. You just simply need to be in a place to focus your awareness, so you can start to harness your thoughts (as discussed in our last article). By the way, just to be clear, surfing Facebook, texting, or watching TV does not count as meditation (any major input going into your mind from the environment around you in a very relaxed state, such as “alpha”, can be harmful as very little conscious filtering, for example, of garbage TV programs, is functioning).
People have many ways to help them clear their minds of stinkin’ thinkin’ and leave all the current distractions behind. It could be focusing on your breathing and taking slow, deep breaths, releasing tension a little more on each breath out (the way I like to do it). It could be by counting breaths and focusing on that or by a visualisation that helps focus your thoughts on an imagined experience.
I know how easy it is to get busy and think that we just don’t have enough time, but believe me and try it for yourself, getting into the habit of daily meditation will help you have more clarity and thus operate more efficiently.
With just a few minutes a day of getting into a state of ‘disconnect’ from the world around you, you will feel more peace, have a broader and healthier outlook, and unblock mental space that may be pinned up with negative energy or stress.
There are many meditation techniques out there and you don’t have to make it long or fancy. Focus on something simple, and do it daily (instead of something complex, and do it occasionally!).
Concept 2 – Training The ‘Mighty Me’ Within.