Being mindful can be tough at first. Try saying a reminder to yourself, like, “I will be mindful in this moment” any time you catch your mind wandering off. Just like most things, it will get easier with practice. Honor and acknowledge the things that you use rather than making them a means to an end. For example, as you are reading, feel and acknowledge the being of the computer or any device on which you are reading this article.
For instance, if you are an anxious person, your ego is telling you that anxiety is a part of your personality that you can’t change. By capturing that thought and challenging it, you’re dissolving your ego and opening yourself up more. Eckhart Tolle, a German spiritual leader and author of The Power of Now, tells us that the ego was once necessary to humanity’s survival, but it isn’t anymore. [3] X Research source
For instance, maybe you get laid off at work. While this can be a setback and an annoyance, rather than focusing on how bad it is, you can say to yourself, “Okay, this is what’s happening now. ” According to Eckhart Tolle, surrendering happens when you no longer ask, “Why is this happening to me?” and instead just accept things as they come. [5] X Research source Use every possible setback as an opportunity to grow. When there’s true surrender, you clearly see what needs to be done and you take action.
Remember that you are in charge of your mind and body, not the other way around. You have the power to take control of the situation. Eckhart Tolle recommends smiling and laughing at your thoughts, like you would at the tantrum of a child.
Tolle tells us that it isn’t our situation that causes us unhappiness; rather, it’s the thoughts that we have about the situation. Accept your emotions and your thoughts, but don’t allow them to control you. However, Tolle also warns that if you can’t accept the situation and move on, try to remove yourself from it as soon as possible.
Watching doesn’t mean judging, analyzing, or reacting to your own thoughts. Instead, you can detect them and observe them, but try not to pass judgment. You may find that eventually, your thoughts slow down and you become more of a witness to your emotions. This is a sign that you are inhabiting your inner body more deeply.
You’re usually only scared or nervous about something because it’s important. If you start having negative thoughts, it means that whatever it is is worth doing. As a practice, when you catch yourself lost in thinking, especially repetitive, negative, useless, compulsive thoughts and unverbalized reactions, ask questions like, “Who’s talking here? Me or the mind?”
For instance, maybe you’ve had a string of bad luck lately that you’re eager to get out of. By looking forward to better times in the future, you can give yourself hope that things will change for the better. People who follow Tolle’s teachings often call this “entering the now. ” Sure, you might be thinking about the past, but how can you enter the now from there? Start living in the present moment to put the past behind you.
The beautiful colors of the sunset The abundance of water falling from the sky as it rains The quality and cleanness of the air that you’re breathing The taste of the water that you’re drinking
You could even volunteer your time to give back to your community in a big way.
