Life is the waves. There will be nice, easy waves and there will be hard, crashing waves. Learning to surf is mindfulness. Mindfulness is the thing that can help us enjoy the easy waves while also dealing with the hard, crashing waves with more ease.
Emma (changed name for anonymity) has been dealing with a lot of hard crashing waves lately. Her work, health and personal life all have hard crashing waves coming at her. How is she dealing with it? By remembering to take each wave one at a time. Remembering this is temporary, it will pass. By being present and dealing with what is at hand in the moment, and trying (practicing) to not let the thoughts of the other crashing waves to take over the mind all at once.
Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment, enjoying the beautiful moments in the present, and remembering to breathe through the crashing moments.
When faced with a challenge, remember these steps:
- Breathe, feel your breath.
- Remind yourself “this is temporary”.
- Self talk “you can get through this”. You’ve gotten through challenges before, you will get through this one.
- Find beauty around you, look up at the sky. Find something in nature to help you enjoy the beauty that is here right now.
- Take time for yourself – self care. A bath, a yoga class, a call with a friend, spa day, cup of tea, a good book or movie.
The waves in life will come and go. What is constant is your growing and evolving mindfulness practice to continually work towards mastering how you will get through the next wave.