'Mindfulness? That's just colouring and switching off your mind isn't it?'
'Like counselling but without any actual science or research-based practise isn't it?'
'Bit modern and really not my thing at all.'
A few things that I have heard.
It's hard to sum up mindfulness in a way that doesn't diminish it. Yes it is about being present, yes it is about being tuned into feelings. Yes to being empathetic, kind and listening. Yes to being non-judgemental.
All these and so much more. Being kind, showing empathy, being authentic being curious, appreciating life, self, others. Being kind. These are some of the underpinning aspects.
Being kind to oneself, showing self-compassion. Bit of a game changer in many ways. SO easy to blame oneself, berate oneself, criticise oneself.
It's ok to big yourself up- to take a look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are going to have a fab day, and when the day doesn't go so well say that you gave it a good go.
So much more than 'put on a brave face' , 'chin-up' and other often less than helpful phrases.
Acknowledgement goes a lot lot further. Today has been pretty shocking. I am not feeling great about it. I could just not bother tomorrow. All these are totally valid thoughts. Naming, recognising and noticing them. Taking time to process, talk them through or go for a walk, listen to music, make a noise, sing, go for a run. We all have different ways to redirect energy.
It's not about parking thoughts, ignoring them or forgetting the past. It's about riding it out.
I love the film 'Parenthood' and especially this gem from the Grandma:
Ups and downs, highs and lows, happy and sad. All part of life. But I know which parts I want to focus on.
