Scattered Mind

“I cannot meditate because my mind is too busy,” someone told me a few years ago.  It was before I was in the mindfulness world.  I simply didn’t know how to respond.  I wondered if that was true.  But with my lack of knowledge, I didn’t have a clear answer and this incident was buried deep into my thinking cabinet.

Mindfulness is to be aware of the present moment.   We are seldom aware of what’s going on because of our fast paced world.  We are able to predict what might happen fairly accurately so we maintain and feel a busyness all the time.  That became automated so that when this fast paced life slows down or stops, our anxiety arises.  At this point, it’s easy to blame on ourselves or other factors that slow down your pace.  Sadly, many of us are in this vicious cycle and are not being able to find the exit, just like a rat running in the wheel.  Only way you can get out from this is to pause.

How do you know when to pause?  It might be a challenge in the beginning, but it’s not impossible.  To practice to be aware of your physical, mental, and/or emotional shift, you can pause.  And your ability of awareness can improve by consistent daily practice.  One of the mis-conceptions of mindfulness is that it is just for quiet people.  Regardless, if you are outspoken or introvert, all of us have minds.  While it is easy to sustain focused for some people, some other people have trouble sustaining focus. 

 Regardless of your mental stage, mindfulness helps you to be aware of what is going on inside and/or outside of you.  You might feel rushed, different agenda coming and going, or just bored.  That is when you pause.  You are afraid of this pause during your day because you don’t feel you have enough time, however, your short pause can make you more productive.   Simple mindfulness practices as short as 1 minute, but daily, can make your awareness improve over time.  

Last week, my 5th graders sat in the circle for the weekly mindfulness lesson.  After one full minute, I asked, “How was your experience?”  Some shared their calmness and peacefulness.  One of the students, on the other hand, explained in the circle, “It’s like different things coming and going and I became anxious.”  I listened to all students, then, summarized, “Thank you for sharing.  I am so glad many you noticed your calmness.  Also, I am happy some of you noticed your anxiety, scattered mind, things coming and going.  Because noticing what is happening is mindfulness.  You are all right on the target.”  This girl exclaimed, “What? Is it okay to get anxious?”  I replied, “It is important to be aware of your busy mind and it’s kind to accept your anxiety.  Because all emotions are important.”  She showed a big grin on her face, satisfied.  

Noticing extremely small things is challenging, especially when you start.  But not noticing anything can be what you are noticing.  Mindful meditation is a tool to support and improve your awareness so you know when to pause.  When you notice your improvement, let’s celebrate.  It takes time, but you are no longer a rat in the wheel.