Be Here Now
Mindfulness is a new buzzword, but meditation has been around for thousands of years (especially in relation to religion). It’s an antidote to our anxious times and over the last two years I have been delving deeper into the process of... doing nothing.
Many think that meditation is like unplugging, emptying your brain and switching off. If anything, it is actually brain training. Accepting that we all have thoughts, but instead of letting our thoughts dictate to us, focussing on the present moment.
“Relax, nothing is under control... But you can still be happy anyway.”
As a Personal Trainer I’m not that great at sitting still, so have always struggled with the concept of meditation. However when the first lockdown hit, I knew I had to do something to allay my constant worrying. It became a professional requirement, especially as my job involves supporting others.
Relearning how to breathe (we often hold our breath when stressed) and to slow the constant flow of unhelpful thoughts has given me a boost, however it is an ongoing journey and I personally have a long way to go.
I got into mindfulness by seeing Gelong Thubten speak at the Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival early 2020 pre-lockdown. I bought a signed copy of his book ‘A Monk’s Guide to Happiness’ that guided me through a simple way to incorporate meditation into my daily life. Being present in the moment, rather than always thinking of what’s coming next, became something I tried to practise every day. In the shower, thinking about how nice the water feels, rather than distractedly running through my schedule. Stopping to take a breath. Appreciating the changing seasons. Simple stuff that’s easy to miss. The Headspace app on my smartphone has been useful, allowing me to try five and ten minute meditations.
Despite losing a close family member earlier in 2021, and having to rebuild Griffen Fitness for the ‘new normal’, I can honestly say I’m more content than I was eighteen months ago. And I’m not sure I want to return to the old ways of doing things. As a sign (of the times) outside the Kadampa Meditation centre says, “Relax, nothing is under control... But you can still be happy anyway.”
