The end of January finds me contemplating time. This month has passed very quickly at times and in other moments, I felt a sense of slow motion. I notice a sense of urgency in me that is arising as I think about the intentions I set at the beginning of the month and what has actually unfolded. I had a plan and schedules set and then life brought about some unanticipated events. My mindfulness practice has supported me through the twists and turns, challenges, and joys of the month. I’ve used micro practices to regroup and regulate when challenged physically and/or emotionally. I have engaged in and appreciated the benefits of the awareness that arises in the present moment when I honed my attention during informal eating, walking or sitting with a loved one. I have benefitted from intentionally sitting in stillness or engaging in quiet mindful movement regularly at the start of my day. I notice that I am able to engage in the day from a stronger, more stable mindset. This has me revisiting the importance of identifying and maintaining a regular and sustainable practice of mindfulness, even as I engage in all that life presents.
What makes for a sustainable mindfulness practice? During the last 15 years, I have experienced and explored ways to sustain my own personal mindfulness practice. I know that having a preferred time of day and place to practice has supported me. I benefit from practicing with others regularly as it creates some sustainable structure for accountability. I find motivation from periodically accessing input from a teacher or trusted resource around the study of mindfulness. Through ongoing understanding and experiencing of the benefits of practice, I am motivated to engage when I don’t feel like it, or if I fall out of routine for a few days. It’s during these times that the skills I’ve acquired around being kind and compassionate with myself and others make it more likely that I’ll easily return to practice. I’ve also embraced flexibility of mind and watch for patterns of rigidity or “must do”. Through it all, I have an understanding that practice isn’t a linear process. Sometimes I end my practice and am surprised by what has happened due to something unexpected arising. Sometimes I may experience boredom or nothing interesting has occurred. I now trust that learning and practice comes from different directions and at different times. This keeps things interesting, gives me a sense of curiosity and encourages ongoing and regular return to practice!
How will you make time for your own regular and sustainable practice in 2024? Perhaps the links below will give additional insight to help you cultivate that. Consider joining us on Sunday, Feb 4th at 6pm for the Monthly Mindfulness Meeting at EUCC: https://www.mindfulnessandmotion.com/events.
Wishing you well,
Karen