Issue 10: Mindfulness During the Pandemic
As the world worldwide coronavirus goes on, we continually enter new phases causing us to re-evaluate and experience different feelings, thoughts, moods and body sensations. Interestingly, it offers us the opportunity to challenge ourselves and know ourselves in ways we never anticipated. The opportunity can be thought of as another door into the room of mindfulness. An opportunity to befriend ourselves. With the need to stay home, distance ourselves from others and be with ourselves more; we get to confront ourselves. For many this can be frustrating, depressing, anxiety producing etc. Yet it also can offer us a healing opportunity.
As Pascal once said “All of humanities troubles stem from man’s inability to sit in a room alone.”
In a way, we have a golden opportunity to be with ourselves in ways, and for durations of time, we never imagined. Such an opportunity, mimics the conditions of a meditation retreat.
So instead of focusing on negative thoughts and feelings, and the stories (often exaggerated stories) we tell ourselves; maybe this can be an opportunity to practice mindful eating and mindfulness.
While eating mindfully, we don't focus on our stories, negativity, worries and other feelings. Instead we ground ourselves in the experience of eating. What does the food smell like, taste like, look like etc? How does the taste evolve from the first chew to say the 15th before swallowing? Can you allow yourself to enjoy the changing nature of food as you chew? Can you be in the moment to moment experience without judging, feeling guilty or burdened? Can you be free just for one moment of eating? And maybe the next! You may find greater joy and freedom when eating in this way.
In terms of mindfulness, everything you do at home can become an anchor, a focus of attention. This is called informal meditation. Just like the breath is an anchor during sitting meditation; the taste of the toothpaste (while brushing), the changing movement of your body (and muscles) as you walk from the kitchen to the living room, and the sensations of warm water and the smell of soap as you shower: all become an anchor (a meditation experience).
In these various ways, I'm suggesting that you see and enjoy the simple pleasures that life has for you during these very difficult times. In these ways you are no longer focusing on the stories that your mind is generating, the anxiety you may feel or the depressed mood you may be battling. You are giving yourself (body, heart and soul) the well deserved rest you need. You are more awake and alive!
If this time at home motivates you to learn more about mindful eating and mindfulness practices, consider my upcoming eight session, online mindful eating program. To learn more you can email me at Drjwieliczko@gmail.com
Eat Mindfully, Breathe Mindfully & Enjoy Life!