In mindfulness, we find a powerful ally in our quest for clarity. It teaches us to see our thoughts and beliefs for what they truly are, allowing us to release what no longer serves us and embrace the truth of our experience. This clarity is not just about seeing more clearly; it's about choosing to live more fully, authentically, and with purpose.
The pain of loss is very, very real. It is a natural reaction to an unwelcome and disruptive event that leaves you forever changed. But there is a part of you that remains steady even when you don't feel like you can tap into it, and that is your awareness. The way I see it, awareness is bigger than any one experience. It is the part that sees clearly, through it may not always be conscious.
And let's face it, when we are in pain it is all too easy to become entangled in a web of erroneous beliefs, emotions, and stories that may not be completely true. And if you are like me, you don't even know you have disconnected from reality.
Mindfulness offers a beacon of light, illuminating the truth of our experiences and helping us to release what no longer serves us. This experience is about recognizing your power to choose our beliefs, to distinguish the real from the illusion, and to embrace clarity over confusion.
Mindfulness Practice for Clarity
Mindfulness is the art of being fully present in the moment, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, without being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. It’s about observing our thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them as good or bad.
- Find a Quiet Moment: Choose a time and place where you can sit quietly without distractions. Sit in a comfortable position, with your back straight but not stiff.
- Focus on Your Breath: Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. Notice the sensation of air entering and leaving your nostrils, or the rise and fall of your chest.
- Acknowledge Your Thoughts: As thoughts arise, acknowledge them without judgment and let them go. Imagine each thought as a leaf floating down a stream, simply passing by.
- Ask Yourself: What am I choosing to believe right now? Are these beliefs based on truth, or are they shaped by past experiences, fears, or external influences?
- Return to Your Breath: Whenever you find your mind wandering, gently guide your focus back to your breath. This act of returning to the breath is where the practice of mindfulness lies.
Journaling To Discern Truth from Illusion
After your mindfulness practice, take a moment to reflect through journaling. This is your space to explore the beliefs and narratives you've uncovered.
Journaling Prompt for Clarity
- Investigate Your Beliefs: What beliefs about yourself, others, or the world came up during your practice? Where do these beliefs come from? Are they serving you, or are they holding you back?
- Truth vs. Illusion: For each belief, ask yourself: Is this true? Can I absolutely know that it's true? How do I react when I believe this thought, and who would I be without it?
- Choosing Your Beliefs: Reflect on what beliefs you want to carry forward. Which ones do you choose to let go of, and what new beliefs would you like to adopt?
Inviting Clarity into Your Life
Mindfulness is not a one-time solution but a practice to be integrated into our daily lives. It offers us the tools to pause, observe, and choose our path forward with intention. By questioning our beliefs and opening ourselves to the truth, we can navigate life with greater clarity and peace.
Join Us at Awaken Online Grief Support Program
If you're on a journey through grief, seeking clarity and understanding, the Awaken Online Grief Support Program is here for you. We believe in using mindfulness, meditation, and journaling as tools to navigate the complexities of grief, offering a space for growth, resilience, and healing. Your path through grief is unique, but you don't have to walk it alone. Join our community, and let's explore this journey together.
