Love Letter, May 2024: Mindful
Hello lovely one,
How are you today? How is your body feeling?
“Mindful May” seems to be a catchphrase I’m seeing a lot on social media, plus filling my inbox at the moment. To tell you the truth, it’s irritating me a bit, as are many other things this month.
The word “mindful” makes me think that I need to be nice, considerate, happy and joyful. But these emotions are hard to feel, and I don’t want to push myself into adopting a behavior that’s not true. I don’t subscribe to the "fake it until you make it" motto.
So instead I sit here in the friction of frustration, whilst at the same time being mindful of how my mood may impact those around me…near and far! Mindful that I need to reframe my perception of the word “mindful” and see it through a more compassionate lens.
Mindful of how this energy of frustration infiltrates my creative flow encouraging procrastination to pop its head out from under the doona. It’s no surprise really that I’m feeling this way as I’ve been living a very full life lately, and in some aspects making it a bit complex. Simplifying my life is on the agenda, but first I need to complete some commitments.
Luckily, the cosmic energy at the moment is dynamic and with a waxing moon it’s a perfect time for new projects and getting things done. You can think of yourself as a warrior during this phase, filled with support, strength and sustenance. Your system is thriving!. The trick here is to focus on one task at a time. Multi-tasking will only deplete your energy.
My mindfulness practice this week is taking my dog for a walk to the park, sitting on a bench and listening to the sounds around me. No podcasts or e-books to distract me and keep me in an energy of avoidance. Instead, focusing on the sounds close by to help me be present in my body.
Plus, a daily breathwork practice with long exhales is super important to help keep my nervous system calm and feeling safe. As Thich Nan Hanh says in The Art of Living “It is possible to use our breathing to embrace our strong emotions and experience relief.”
Soundscape Meditation
Begin by gently closing your eyes and allow a few moments allowing your body to relax
Gather up your awareness and begin to notice your breath and how it moves in your body.Spend a few minutes here. Can you sense your whole body breathing?
When you feel settled, gradually expand your awareness and start to notice sounds around you.
Notice as the sounds arrive from all directions from teh front or back, above or below, from left to right, sounds near or far. You have no control over their arrival or departure, or how long they stay.
Notice the tendency to label the sounds.
Pay attention to the qualities of the sound. How they rise and fall, or if they become louder or softer.
Try not to become drawn into any particular sound.
Notice the gaps between the sounds. What does silence sound like?
Can you hear yourself breathing or perhaps your heart beating? What sounds are you making? Be open to them all.
Focus your awareness on the soundscape in this way for three or four minutes.
Big love, Jo xx
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