MindFul..

I have decided I don’t like the word Mindfulness anymore.

(you’ll find a better self-practice below).

As it implies we have more things to do in the mind. When what we want to achieve through that practice is to give the mind a rest.

Not mind-ful-ness.

Our minds are already full. And linguistics matter – how we use our words. Words have power. And so, I teach you how to use your words better too. Words in your mind and words in your body.

Now let’s not make the mind the enemy either. It’s far from it.

What we need instead are everyday life changing tools that are easy to use, and often.

The first step is – say thank you to your mind – ‘thank you, you are amazing, I love you’. Because actually you do. Look at all the brilliant things it achieves from moment to moment!

Why would you want to demonise something that works so damn hard for you?

‘Thank you mind. I love you.

Thank you for working so hard to create a great life’.

The second step is – ask your mind if it would like some support – ‘hey you my brilliant kick arse mind, would you love some support? Sick of trying to run the show all by yourself’?

Probs you will get a ‘yes’. Mind on board. It wants a rest. Nice.

Third step – put your hands on your body – one on your heart and the other on your belly. Begin to notice you have a body to live in. Look down at the hand over your belly, and get it moving in and out with the breath. Expand your belly on the inhale and collapse your belly on the exhale.

Just start to rest. Nothing to do. Nothing to fix.

Nothing to make go away. Nothing to think about.

Just breath.

Allow.

And feel.

Start there.

How much of a moving belly breath you achieve indicates the state of your nervous system in that moment. If your belly is stiff and not moving, your system is locked and you are more than likely in a state of stress and overwhelm. Get your belly moving freely and you will relax and feel calm.

Ask your head… ‘do you like it, do you like getting support?’

Stuck? – as me, I will take you through the whole process and give you homework.

It’s the first place we will begin. Practice this over the holiday season.

Rest your mind.

Rest your nervous system.

Get back in your body.

(maybe for the first time in a long time).

Start there.