How many times have you thought, “I need to make some changes in my life”? Yet, the recognition of that thought is all there is. We think it over and over again: and there, in our thoughts, it remains.
There is sufficient neuro-scientific research and first person accounts, books and u-tube videos that explain the proven benefits of a DAILY Mindfulness practice. I emphasize “daily” because that is what it takes to reap the long term effects and benefits of MINDFULNESS Meditation. Just as you practice “brushing your teeth everyday” to maintain oral hygiene and thereby experience the health benefits, the same holds true for the daily routine of Mindfulness Meditation. It’s about spending time each day maintaining your physical, emotional and mental well-being. Brushing your teeth has become a habit. You don’t have to think about it too much…you just do it. By developing practice of Mindfulness Meditation day after day-once or twice a day over a period of several weeks will become another habit …and eventually (like brushing your teeth) you won’t give it a second thought. It will become a routine part of your life.
But the crux of the matter is---you must be ready to change. You must be willing to improve your life….unless you prefer to suffer with a daily existence filled with anxiety, depression, self-doubt or low self-esteem, chronic pain, stress, re-occurring and unpleasant physical symptoms, constant worrying, sleep deprivation and a whole plethora of other conditions or states of mind that put you at dis-ease.
So what does it take for you to make a positive change in your life? There are three requirements. First you must realize you need to make a change. Secondly, you must decide you are ready. And the third is: you must love and be kind enough to yourself to be willing. The alternative is not to change, but without change, there is no growth and without growth, we fail to really live life to its’ fullest.
Many students attend my classes out of curiosity. That’s a good place to start. Many of them can easily identify with the fact they suffer from many of the negative patterns of thought or behavior which Mindfulness can address. They recognize when introduced to the many benefits and scientific evidence that a daily practice of Mindfulness Meditation would be a useful and helpful tool in addressing their own personal struggles and challenges. Yet, they don’t meet all the requirements necessary to affect change. There are always a few who do not choose to be “ready and willing” to create positive change in their lives.
Be Mindful. Be Aware. Lean and realize how much you will benefit from a Mindfulness Practice and then decide if you are ready and willing. Be gentle and caring towards yourself. Cradle yourself.
Investigate Mindfulness Meditation Classes near you. If you live in the Los Angeles area, start by being curious. Check out the Mindfulness Meditation Classes at www.themeditationtree.com
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” James Baldwin