Mindfulness significantly helps us focus on the present moment by encouraging us to observe our thoughts and feelings and help change our perspective from ‘negative self-talk’ towards ‘positive self-talk’.
The origins of mindfulness are found in Buddhism and Zen traditions with the common definition being: ‘The psychological process of bringing one’s attention to experiences occurring in the present moment, which one can develop through the practice of meditation and other training.’
A broader meaning of mindfulness also means:
1. Being conscious (mindful) of the thoughts that are in your mind and how you feel now.
2. Being conscious (mindful) of the thoughts you would like to have in your mind and how you would like to feel.
3. Being conscious (mindful) of what is going on around you at this moment and how you are interacting with this moment and not being overly reactive, overwhelmed, or under-responsive.
Which ‘wolf’ do you encounter the most?
| Good Wolf | Bad Wolf |
| comforts you | wants you to worry |
| inspiring | uninspiring |
| stills you | rushes you |
| guides you | coerces you |
| reassures you | frightens you |
| enlightens you | confuses you |
| encourages you | discourages you |
| wants you to have faith | wants you to be faithless |
| calms you | obsesses you |
| praises you | condemns you |
| respects you | disrespects you |
| has gratitude | complains often |
| responds to situations | overreacts to situations |
| accepts others | judges others |
| does not want alcohol and drugs | wants alcohol and drugs |
| has courage | is fearful |
| can let go of the past | holds on to anger and resentment |
| often peaceful | often angry |
| wants you to meditate | does not allow you to meditate |
| encourages you to rest | wants you to be too busy or lazy |
| wants you to take responsibility | wants you to blame others |
| encourages your health and wellbeing | indifferent about your health and wellbeing |
| encourages positivity | encourages negativity |
| lifts you up | pulls you down |
| celebrates others’ success | jealous of others’ success |
| encourages generosity | promotes greed |
| self-esteem & self-worth | self-pity & self-criticism |
| encourages truth | lies or exaggerates |
| encourages humility | inferiority or superiority |
| complements self and others | insults or criticises self and others |
(excerpt from Chakra Wisdom book – click the link: Shop – Chakra Wisdom)
The more aware we are of what we are thinking, the more likely we are to realise that all our thoughts are not true and that we are not our mind or our thoughts! When we realise that we are the observer of our thoughts, (and not the thought itself) we in a better position to decide if we want to challenge, change, or embrace those thoughts.
Ideally, we would aim to get to the stage where we realise that, ‘I am not my mind, I am not even my thoughts. I am the observer of my thoughts, and some of my thoughts are not even true!’ The aim is not to be deceived by thoughts that are not true and/or negative as they are obstacles to our good health. The body believes everything we believe!
“I am not my mind, I am not my thoughts,
I am the observer of my thoughts
and I filter the good wolf ones
from the bad wolf ones.”
“But perhaps the most important reason for pursuing mindfulness is so we can have a better health outcome, by improving our mind-body connection. The deeper we go into mindfulness, the more likely we are to enhance our brain, heart and immune system functioning as well. The mind-body connection has big implications for a range of illnesses, immune-related diseases, but also a growing list of other conditions.” (from ‘The Neuroscience of Mindfulness’ by Neuroscientist Stan Rodski). http://www.stephencanning.com.au
Chakra Wisdom Book available in the store click the link: Shop – Chakra Wisdom
Stephen Canning, Chakra Wisdom
