Mindfulness & Imagination pt 1

It may feel to many that the world is burning and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. 

                       It is at times like this when we all need to be each others light, and to guide one another through this time of turmoil, anxiety and concern.

If your brain was the universe, and within that universe you have planets and star systems, then your thoughts would be represented as a black hole. The bigger the black hole, the larger your thoughts; if those thoughts are negative, which it is very likely to be at the moment, that can lead to ill health, depression, a reduced immune system and greater risk of not getting through this.

Mindfulness could be your answer.

Formed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, basic Mindfulness Based Intervention can be done by anyone, anywhere, at any time of the day. Unlike traditional meditation, which is usually depicted in a quiet space, chanting or humming, mindfulness meditation can be done at any time of your day in any environment.

Most of us are home working now, and there may be children around, or partners, pets and distractions. Giving yourself ten minutes of your time to mindfulness can aid you in ways you may not have realised.

Practicing mindfulness regularly has proved to reduce stress; lessen anxiety; ease depressive symptoms and boost your immune system. There are many Apps to help you, and for the most part it requires just ten minutes. But you could do it in five, three or one.

A simple technique that I would like to share with you is this. If you are sitting at your laptop or PC you can do this easily. 

Stop what you are doing

Put your headphones into your ears and choose a piece of music that makes you feel good

Close your eyes

Play the track

Listen to the rhythm of your heart, the rhythm of the music and your breathing

Do the whole song

You have just meditated mindfully for approx 3 minutes.

When you are finished, say thank you to yourself, take a deep breath and smile. 

Being mindful in your daily life can change everything. In time I will share my journey but at this time in the world, it is important to share the message and benefits of mindfulness rather than my own personal history. 

As well as boosting your immune system, which is so important, it can also help to ignite your imagination. 

The world is changing; some believe that this virus is Mother Earth cleansing itself, and images of clear waters in Venice could be proof of that. We should all come out of this with more love, kindness and respect for each other and our planet. If this world is changing we need to change with it; to do that, and to help you move forwards, use mindfulness to access your imagination and realise those ideas that you have floating in your head. See them become real and make positive steps to reach your goals. You can change your life to fit this new Earth. Believe in yourself and those around you.

Zac Thraves is a Mindfulness Practitioner; performer and writer.