Breathe, Focus, Thrive: Using Your Breath to Stay Present
We each possess an ability to keep up the appearance of being fully present and engaged in whatever we do. At the same time, your thoughts can have you residing in a completely different headspace.
Most of us have mastered the art of presenting a carefully curated version of ourselves, which completely masks the true nature of our thoughts and feelings, making it seem like we live in two completely different worlds.
We do not think thoughts. We obtain them from conditioning, as well as what we consume. Everything creates an impression that shapes our thoughts, from the foods we eat to the company we keep to all that we expose ourselves to. Likewise, its nature and origin can run the gamut, from replaying reels from past experiences that can spark feelings of fear, doubt, and worry to projecting our fears onto the future in anticipation of the absolute worst-case scenario.
“All our thinking results from our conditioning; it comes from our accumulated experiences, memories, fears, hopes. Such a mind is not free.
—Jiddu Krishnamurti
Unlike most annoying distractions that arise at the most inopportune times, one can’t just will them to stop. Inversely, the more you focus on ceasing your thoughts, the more you will rise in response.
The good news is that we are not our thoughts; since we are not, we can objectively observe them as they flow through our awareness. Notably, observing thoughts from an objective perspective without reacting takes some practice. Much like the clouds in the sky, you can develop the habit of watching and accepting them as they pass through your awareness.
In other words, we do not have to give up our power to be at the mercy of our seemly wayward thoughts. Regardless of the nature or origin, when you allow your thoughts to redirect your attention away from the present moment, you surrender your power.
Much like our nearly obsessive attachment to our smartphones and social media, we each have the power to consciously unsubscribe, unfollow, and disconnect from the thoughts that steal our awareness away from the present moment (aka your intended focus).
“The goal isn’t to eliminate your negative thoughts and feelings; that’s impossible. The goal is to change your response to them.”
—Marcandangel.com
Mindful awareness calls for us to observe our breath's natural rhythm and flow. This roots us within the present moment, as the breath can only occur within the now. Whenever you get up in a series of disruptive, take a moment to stop, pause, and take a few cleansing breaths through your nose. Taking the time to pause and breathe empowers you to anchor your awareness within the present moment, as the breath is an essential function that can only occur now.
Our true power lies in our ability to pause and selectively choose what we want to allow to enter our awareness. No matter how challenging it may seem, we can all use the power of awareness, intention, and breath to create new habits that empower us to choose where we want to direct our attention selectively.
Are you interested in expanding your mindfulness practice in a virtual community of like-minded individuals? We welcome you to join our growing Mindfulness Community Circle for twice-weekly live facilitated mindfulness sessions. We’d love to have you join our rapidly growing global community.
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