Listening to Adele’s new album. I just love how open she is to being vulnerable, and expressing her low emotions with the world. It made me think, how important it is to feel all emotions, and embrace them all. We are humans. We will feel all sorts of emotions in this rollercoaster we call life. Just remember if you distance yourself from feeling the uncomfortable emotions. You will also numb the feelings of the comfortable and more enjoyable emotions. No emotion is bad, or should be suppressed. Emotions tell us something about ourselves, our thoughts, and our world view. We can choose to use it against us, or use it as fuel to better ourselves. You are not horrible for feeling difficult emotions. This is all part of being a human, unless you are a Psychopath, and not sure you want that. Embrace, accept, and learn.
Tag: #peaceofmind
My Mindful Week
I wanted to create this post to discuss the mindfulness practices I implemented this week. I will start with my self-care routine I have been doing before work. I usually tend to scroll online before work, but this week I decided to change this up. I really want to read more books this year, so I decided to use my time before work to do some reading. It really helps me spark up my imagination and creativity. It also inspires me for my daily life, and my work. I learn a lot from reading. Reading allows you to think as well. I get enjoyment from reading. It gives me the opportunity to be present with my full attention.
I also like writing in my journal, during this time as well. Getting my thoughts out on paper is very therapeutic. It also helps me problem-solve, and brings clarity to the situations in my life. This time has also allowed me to mediate more. I sometimes just sit on my bed, doing nothing, but listening to my thoughts flow. One day it was sunny out, and it was nice staring at my plants with the reflection of the sun. It was nice being in the moment staring at the beauty before me. It was really relaxing just sitting there.
Going back to my thoughts. I realize thoughts do affect your emotions. It is interesting when you are aware of your thoughts, and what they do to you physically and emotionally. I was feeling down, because my thoughts were on a situation that happened at work the day prior. I was overwhelmed with work, and I was tired of being overworked, so I let out my frustration at my bosses. The confrontation left me stress, exhausted, and frustrated. All these thoughts brought me down.
I did end up feeling better at the end of the day, because I realized I had power. I realized I was overworking myself. I was doing more than I can handle. I wasn’t forced to do all that. Being angry at my job for all the work won’t help me, but recognizing I have the power to reduce the amount of work I do is quite powerful. I decided to dial it down at work the next, and felt much relief from doing so. The job didn’t overwhelm me. My high expectations of myself did. I did too much. This distinction is so important for your piece of mind.
I feel a bit embarrassed that I let out my frustrations the way I did, but it had to be done. I could not continue to hold it in. I don’t regret it. Due to my talk with them. They were able to come to a solution that can help me out, which I liked, so sometimes you gotta let people know how you feel, so something gets done. You gotta do what is best for you. I am not saying to complain all day, everyday, but there are times when you got to express your discontent with a situation.
One last thing, I got this mindfulness book for Christmas. I absolutely love it. It has reminded me that I need to live moment by moment. We do one task, thinking about what to do next, then we go to that task, thinking what we should do next. We rush from one task to another. We forget to actually live in the moments. I became aware I do this a lot, especially when I do mundane everyday tasks, like brushing my teeth, or washing dishes. I am trying to live in moments. It can be hard, during those times, and when I am at work. I do realize that even though these tasks aren’t fun. They are still part of living, and I should put my attention to it when I am in the moment. It isn’t easy, but it can be done.
I was even doing this, while I was on a walk today. Focusing on what I will do after this walk. I realized what I was doing, and put my focus on the beauty around me. I told myself, ‘I am walking, I am looking at the trees and sky. I am listening to music.’ I did this, so my mind can be in the moment, rather than having thoughts of the future, or the past. It allowed me to enjoy my walk, even more. Life is about living moment to moment. The good, the bad, the boring, they are all part of living. You got to live in the moments to fully live.
The Journey Isn’t Always easy
I have been practicing mindfulness for four years now. Although, my mindset, mental health and state of mind has improved. I still have setbacks. Emotions still take over from time to time, mostly during work hours. Negative thoughts appear. I am mindless at times.
My mindful state isn’t always on. Although, I do become aware of my negative thoughts and emotions when it happens, so that is a plus. I do want to get better with dealing with the overwhelming work at my job. I like to learn how to not get frustrated at others for their lack of work ethic, because in the end. I have no control over them, or the situation. I get mad over the same thing, the situation won’t likely change, so I must change my mindset, which is in my control. I am glad I am aware of this, the next step is learning to cope.
I am writing this to say that you will not always be on. You will not always be mindful. We are imperfect human beings. Life is about learning. The exciting part is evolving and improving. Try not to get down on yourself for not being as mindful as you like. The journey is not smooth and easy. It takes work. The only thing you can try to do is to improve. Work on yourself. Work on your goals. Work on your habits. Always remember to be kind to yourself on this journey. We can only work towards being more mindful, content and at peace. There will be some hiccups along the way, but we can learn to keep moving forward, and continuing to grow.
I will continue to work towards improving in this area that makes me less mindful and at peace with myself. I will try to take more deep breaths, during that time. It may not always work, but trying is better, than just giving in to the thoughts and emotions. Remember the five points( focus, awareness, understanding, perspective and acceptance). I can do it! You can do it! There will be difficulties, but you can always learn and improve. It isn’t all or nothing, or black and white. All isn’t lost if you have setbacks.
My Mindful Morning
It has been so long, since I had a mindful morning to focus on myself. I just wanted to talk about my mindful morning, and how having these mindful mornings can be very relaxing, therapeutic and peaceful for oneself.
I woke up around 6:30 A.M. It was still dark outside. I truly enjoy waking up, before the sun rises. There is something so peaceful about being up at that time. It feels like a nice head start to the day. I took that time to check my plants and water them. I always enjoy doing that. Then I decided to do my weekly grocery shopping. I like to go early, before it gets too packed. I like my peace.
Once I go home, I wrote my next blog entry. After that, I decided to read my mindful morning book. It has been forever, since I read that. I was happy to read it again, because it gives me reminders of how to live mindfully, and it also sparks some inspiration.
After that, I did some meditation. It is always hard for me to do meditation, so I am happy I have an app that I now can log in my meditation sessions. I put to do one a day, so now this motivates me to do a session, it gives me accountability. I have now been able to keep up with it. I enjoy meditating, but getting into the habit of doing it has been my struggle. I think this app accountability will help.
After gaining clarity from that session. I decided to journal and write my thoughts for the morning. It was nice to get my thoughts out there. I always feel better writing my thoughts down on paper. It is really relaxing and therapeutic.
Once I finished that, I decided to put my headphones on and listen to some music. I have been wanting to practice my voice for awhile. I don’t use it enough anymore, and I like to sing how I used to, so I sang some tunes, while listening to it. I liked being able to work on my vocals, while listening to some great music. I really need to do this practice everyday. After that, I did some searching for some new material for my next blog post.
All in all, this was a very relaxing and productive morning. I absolutely enjoyed it. A mindful morning for yourself is really important for your peace of mind. It is nice to take time for yourself without the distractions of the world coming at you. Just you, your thoughts and life around you. Being present and enjoying the moment in front of you.
Getting Through the Storm
There will be difficult times in your life. Times when it is hard to see the good and be positive. As much as I love positive vibes. We can’t have that mindset all the times. Sometimes situations just suck, but being able to bare through, and accept the situation takes a good mindset and strength. It is easy to fall into the negativity trap, and it will seep through. It is normal. Are minds are set to see the negative. That is fine to allow some negative thoughts in. It is only a problem for our well-being when it is consumed too much.
I had a tough week at work. It was a struggle to remain positive. I decided to just accept what is, and tried to keep thinking that the weekend will come soon, and I can relax again and recharge. I didn’t want to consume myself with too much negativity, so I tried some things to calm my mind and find some inner peace.
Getting up in the morning was tough, but once I was up. I tried some meditation to calm my thoughts for the upcoming work day. I also did some journaling to get my thoughts out and face my emotions. I sometimes just sat in my living room. I really enjoy just sitting in my living room. i like the space and peace of it. I just sat there immersing myself in the moment, in the scenery, and my surroundings. Just sifting through my thoughts and emotions. I also spent some time watching Kpop content, although I don’t like to consume myself with it too much. There are times when I watch it to bring me joy. The content brings me happiness and laughter, and at times like these you need to find the little things that bring a smile to your face.
Another thing you can do to get through it is talk to others. I like venting my thoughts and feeling to my coworkers who are in the same boat as me. The empathy and understanding comes along way to healing. There is something very therapeutic about talking to others and having someone empathize with your words and feelings. Now remember venting is healthy, but constant complaining can get be a bit much and create negativity in your life and others. Complaining won’t get you anywhere. Let your thoughts and feelings out, get some relief, and then move forward. You got to find peace from within yourself.
I took a nice walk this Saturday, which was also very calming and joyful for me. I also spent time with family communicating and connecting which was nice. That is also a good way to get your spirits up. I am now enjoying a nice relaxing day of productive writing. I can use this day to relax and recharge myself before the storm hits again in the new work week.
I accept that work will be challenging, until we get more people. Long days, lots of work. It is what it is. If I want change, I can make changes. If I don’t want to make physical changes, than I must try to change my mindset. There will be times when you are unhappy, annoyed, angry, frustrated. I must remind myself that it is okay to feel these emotions, but I must remember to take a step back, take deep breaths, and let things flow. Embrace the little joys and times of peace.The storm will pass eventually. You just got to build strength to take in these difficult times. See some positive. I at least get the weekend to relax and enjoy the things I like to do. I will get through this. You will get through this. Just keep moving forward.
Things you can do to help get through the storm:
- Journal
- Take nature walks
- Take deep breaths
- Face thoughts and emotions
- Connect with others
- Communicate with others
- Find little joys
- Find laughter
- Create something
- Make changes
- Adapt
- Accept
Thoughts to end the Work Week
I always enjoy reading my mindful day book, before heading off to work. I thought this message was perfect for these times. It is easy to get caught up in the negativity storm out there. Just remember there is beauty out there. There are things to be positive about. Things may look grim now, but we can get through this with a calm and positive mind. It is easy to be filled with hate and anger, but change can only happen from a peaceful, calm and positive heart and mind. I know this is hard to practice, but try not to look into the worries of tomorrow. Try not to dwell on the sorrows of yesterday. Look into the wonders of today. You can only change what happens in the moment. The moment is your chance to grow, learn, challenge oneself, evolve, make change etc,. Struggles are lessons to overcome. Try to live each day as happily as one can. See the good, see the possibility, see the positivity. I know for some it is hard, I get it, I empathize. Just remember a negative mind and soul does nothing for your peace of mind and well-being. I wrote a bit more than I thought I would. I hope you all have a lovely weekend. Try to do something that invokes peace and happiness within yourself.
Food for Thought Post
It is nice waking up to some inspirational reading, and giving myself time to reflect and think. I really enjoyed this post in my Mindful Morning Book. It is nice to give your mind time to reflect, relax, and think in the morning, instead of filling it with noise and distractions. It gives you a chance to focus on you, and not everyone else. It can start your day off on the right foot.
This post is a reminder to look at the reality of a situation, rather than the illusion of negativity. People tend to see things in a negative way, but there is also a positive spin, and then there is the truth. Lets try to focus on either the positive side, or the reality. The negativity will get you nowhere. It will lead to misery. Push away negative self-talk, and focus on the reality. Peace of mind will cultivate.
Have a lovely day, or evening everyone.
Start Your Day With A Blank Slate
I always think how you start your day is important. Now what do I mean by this title? It means having no expectations for the day, good, or bad. You think, how can I have no expectations? It can be difficult, but awareness of expectations can be helpful.
Expectations can lead to negativity. Whether you are expecting it to be a bad day, or a good day. Now expecting it to be a bad day is an obvious one. Thinking it will be a bad day will have your mind set on negativity. Your mind will seek out negativity. Anything that goes wrong will amplify, because your thoughts are negative. If you think it will be a bad day, than you will see the world in a negative light. It is the laws of attraction. A self-fulfilling prophecy.
Now expecting a good day may seem like a good idea, but that can also lead to negativity. So why is that? If you are expecting a good day, and a problem, or mishap occurs. It can be really upsetting, and completely ruin your day. It can put you in a state of negativity, because you were expecting a smooth, challenge free day, but what you have seen from my blog posts, life doesn’t happen that way. Life is unexpected.
This is why expectations can be problematic. You can hope for a good day. You can hope for things to go smooth. You can be aware that today may go either way, but you will get through it no matter what. Start your day clear of expectations, and go with the flow can be the most peaceful way to get through your day.
Do Things You Enjoy
This post was inspired by a spontaneous walk/day in the park I decided to do on this beautiful day. I had the day off for an interview, which can be pretty stressful for me. I decided afterwards to go to the park to relax my mind, and enjoy the rest of my day. It was a nice way to calm my mind, and not think of the interview too much.
I was able to take a two hour walk, and then just sit with my blanket, while listening to music, viewing the scenery, working on some writing, and doing some word searches. It was a really nice time to just sit, relax, hear the sounds of birds, and the wind, smell the fresh air. It just made me realize how little things like these bring joy to my life. It doesn’t have to be too extravagant. Little things like this spark joy.
Even though the morning was stressful. I was able to relax, and enjoy the rest of my day. Life can be a struggle, and stressful, but making time to do the things you enjoy makes a difference. Always try to find joy in life. The little things do count. It is something we all need for our well-being, happiness, and peace of mind. There is joy in life. You just got to find it.
These are pictures from of the view, while sitting. I go here a lot, but there is always new experiences every time I go. I hope you all have a wonderful day, or night. Try to find some joy, and enjoyable things to do.
Psychology of Mindfulness 