When life feels super busy, (like when you are planning a wedding and working and spending time with your bridesmaids and fiancé and maybe kids and also trying to work out and meditate) it is easy for us to let our minds wander and never truly be where we are. It looks like:
You’re having brunch with friends and even though you are engaged in the conversation, your mind is wandering to the invite list
It’s difficult to fall asleep at night because you are ruminating on all of the things you didn’t accomplish today and how you could have been more efficient
You’re at the gym working out and there is a tape looping in the back of your mind with all of the things you should do or need to do, like registering for gifts, finalizing the flowers or sending save-the-date cards
When you are at work, you are thinking about all of the things you need to do at home; when you are home, you are checking work email and texting co-workers
When your brain will not let you be where you are, it creates all kinds of problems, such as:
Feeling like you can’t get things done
Increased stress and difficulty relaxing
Missing out on the moment; feeling distracted
Fatigue
Stress eating
You have probably tried some time management solutions, such as making lists or using a calendar. Maybe you have listened to a podcast about meditation or read a book about creating good habits or increasing efficiency, but you don’t seem to be getting better. These are good tactics, they do not address the root cause: your brain. The solution is to become more present in your life by understanding how your brain works.
Your brain likes to offer you the same thoughts on repeat and when we give those thoughts attention, we just reinforce that these thoughts are true. We start to believe that there will never be enough time or that we can’t get things done. One simple change you can make is to start becoming aware of your thoughts. When you notice your mind wandering away from the task at hand or you are not actively listening to the person you are with, see if you can tune-in to what you are thinking. Many people have never stopped to listen to themselves and don’t really know what they are thinking! Your brain offers thoughts and then creates the emotion around them. Your feelings are always a direct result of what you are thinking. If you want to be more mindful and present, take a look at your thoughts.
When you work with me, we will rewire your brain so that you can experience ease and joy in your life and learn how to be where you are. Consider using these journal prompts to help you explore your brain:
What am I thinking about?
What thoughts is my brain offering me?
Have I had these thoughts before?
Is it possible there is another way to look at this situation?
How am I feeling right now?
How do I want to feel in this situation?
Am I truly present?