This is just about my internal dialogue, or my inner state and has nothing to do with outer world.

When ever a situation happens around me that triggers lets say sadness, jealousy, envy, greed. Any of these emotions. Then out of nowhere impulsively the question of "why" i am feeling this emotion comes up, even before me experiencing the emotion totally.

And this impulsive question of why, feels very unnatural as this question is not coming out of curiosity Rather some impulsion. This feeling/question becomes a blocking thing between me exploring my own emotions or feeling them, looking at them freely and totally.

I do understand the value of asking the question "why". Like why i am feeling that way or why certain things/behavior/emotions happens. But this question is not coming out of curiosity but kind of an impulsion.

I was never like this before, i used to totally feel out the emotion, lets say i am feeling jealous of something then i used to look how it just doesn't make any sense to be jealous. how that feeling makes my mind go in a -ve space. How the jealousy emotion starts/triggers in me. what lead me to jealousy, what i am actually jealous of. and so on... And i never asked the question of why deliberately but i know i do explore it sometimes when that question comes up naturally.

When i tried to find the root of how this impulsive why questioning comes into me. I recall that me and my brother used to talk about emotions, problems and he used to say he always ask the question "why", why he feel certain way or why this thing happens. I don't know if he used to ask "why" out of curiosity or it was his way or template to go into a feeling or a problem.

And maybe somehow i picked this why habit unconciously.

I don't know if i am able to explain this but this is what happening.

It feels like i am not able to explore or feel out my feelings at my own pace. and the feeling associated with not able to explore things at my own pace makes me feel sad. it just feels totally unnatural.

How am i get out of this thought pattern.

Hey, Ive stumbled upon this meme and thought to myself:

How can other people relax like that?

Sitting on the couch, scrolling tiktoks or watching tv. Even playing games makes me feel uncomfortable and stressed. I got better things to do and frankly I got money on the line to meet my daily goals because of this. This is just how I function, getting things done, staying ahead and financially secure is my relaxation..

But times are getting worse, with prices going up and job offers going down. Which makes me wonder, how do people find the time or the comfort in doing nothing or even worse brainrotting. Be honest, can you call this relaxing when you know, that you could be doing something better with your time?

Maybe I‘m too focused on work and miss the bigger picture..my doc already told me to tune it down a bit and relax, but it just doesn‘t sit right with me.. let me know what do you think, am I getting something wrong?

Hey all.

First off, a very quick short-form backstory; I lost my job in October of last year and aside from one two-week stint at a call center, I've been jobless since. Money hasn't been an issue thanks to my fiancee, but finding meaning has been.

I find that over this past year I have re-worked my hobbies and joys to fill the void that the "obligation" of work has left;

-I no longer just play a video game because I want to, there has to be a reason; is it a game I bought a while ago and havent? Is it a new game that I don't want to see go unfinished? These should take priority over playing games "just because I want to"

-I can't start a new TV show or book without overthinking it as an obligation; how long is the series? Am I willing to commit to that? If not, I am unable to start.

-I can't do things like go for walks without there being a motive; I should be trying to be active to lose weight. I should run an errand while out. etc. etc.. It's never a walk for its own sake.

-I rarely indulge in my art anymore because I feel like I should be trying to do something "productive" with it; take commissions, make money, or work on projects that tie into obligations from other hobbies (I play D&D weekly and am the "storyteller" figure, so I feel like time spent making art that isnt related to the stories I tell is wasted, for instance)

I've turned everything from a joy, into an obligation. Everything has to have a motive. I no longer feel like I am capable of just "doing" things for enjoyment, I feel wasteful doing that. I keep telling myself I need to relax, but when I do, I pick up one of the above joys of mine and just.. overthink it.

I overthink it all. The world is a scary place right now, and without getting too political about it, every time I go out I wonder what kind of things I'll see; what kind of people will I run into? Will they want to harm me because I was born different? Do I need to be ready for that? Everything is thought through to every frightening conclusion.

I know mindfulness will help, I just don't know where to begin, and how to approach it... for me. Not as an obligation, like homework, but like something to actually help me. I just don't know how to dismantle this "everything needs to have a goal, an endgame, a strict adherence" mindset.

I could use some pointers from people who maybe read this and think "I've been there." I hope I can gleam some wisdom from you all <3

Thanks for reading this far

For context, I am a Soph in uni and things are really hard what with my academics, life on campus and the fact that I am away from family. But it was same for me last year too in fact I believe it was way harder as I was experiencing all this for the first time. yet, I always had something to cheer me up or distract me like I would watch a movie or binge a show or do some of my other hobbies so I never felt empty or sad. But this time around i feel just so empty and sad even tho I am much more familiar with the life here , have made friends and know how everything works even none of my hobbies are distracting me now. There is no major trauma I have been thru so I don’t understand what’s making me feel this way. I mean I have a great life it’s surely hard but nothing in comparison to how bad some ppl have it and honestly like I said life was much harder last year so idk I guess I am just writing this in hopes of reading a miraculous take or advice or something that explains why now or just why

Last week, my 7-year-old had a complete meltdown over homework. Instead of my usual "just calm down" response, I heard myself saying: "Let's take three deep breaths together."

And you know what? It worked. For both of us.

The irony: I've been trying to establish my own mindfulness practice for two years. Some days I remember, most days I don't. Yet here I was, naturally modeling what I'd been struggling to make "perfect" for myself.

What I've learned about family mindfulness:

It doesn't have to be formal. No meditation cushions or apps required. We do "mindful moments":

• Noticing sounds during car rides
• Feeling our feet on the ground while walking
• Taking "smell breaks" (yes, even the not-so-great ones)

Kids are natural teachers. They live in the present moment already. I'm learning more from watching them than from any book.

Progress over perfection applies to parenting too. Some days we're mindful, some days we're just surviving. Both are okay.

I've been exploring resources from touchstone lately, and their authentic approach to personal growth really resonates. They emphasize that mindfulness isn't about becoming some zen master - it's about showing up more fully for the moments that matter. That feels achievable, even on chaotic parenting days.

The unexpected gift: Teaching mindfulness to my kids is actually helping me develop my own practice. We're learning together.

Any other parents trying to balance personal growth with the beautiful chaos of family life? What works for your family?

Today, I finally understood the principle of non-action or what the “Tao Te Ching” calls “Wu Wei”. Since reading the Tao Te Ching, I’ve struggled with that concept, as it isn’t meant to stop you from doing things, but it literally tells you to practice non-action? That is seemingly a paradox… right?

Today, I realized that it is not a paradox. I was removing coffee stains from an inhuman amount of coffee cops with salt and elbow grease… when I realized that I was not the one doing the washing. My mind, or consciousness or focus or whatever you want to call it, was INSIDE the cup, I was washing. “I” was in my hands and in the cup, I was completely swallowed up, by the activity, to a point where it felt like “I” didn’t exist outside the washing. Like I forget my own body and mind, because I am doing something in mindfulness, in such a manner that I become one with the activity.

I was no longer the one washing the cup, I was observing that the cup was being washed, without meaning to do anything. When I was suddenly pulled out of this reverie, it just hit me… now I understand this concept… I’ve tried it twice, the other time was while I was doing gardening at home. Most importantly - both times, was when I was focused on my breath and the activity and my hands and practicing mindfulness.

I see this as a huge breakthrough, because it shows me the key to the present and it proves to me, that what so many spiritual figures, books and philosophers try to point towards with words… is real! but it is rather difficult to explain, in words…

This is the answer to many things, as the magic happens, when you’re in this state, because you’re doing something, but it is like a break. It doesn’t feel like effort, but like flowing. Time seems to stop and you no longer feel the aches and pains in the body or the thoughts that seem to loop around causing frustration or worry about the dentist appointment you have this afternoon.

It is like readily available bliss, peace, calm, tranquility… in which the drama of life just disappears. It is the art of non-action. The art of Wu Wei. The art of being peaceful, while engaging in activity. Dare I say - the art of happiness?

Shout out to an influential figure in my life - Thich Nhat Hanh. I’ve never met you, but your way of communicating these things, makes it easy to understand. Thank you Thay - may you rest in peace

Link: https://substack.com/@stagnir/note/c-153778898

Hi everyone. I hope this is allowed, thank you for your time.

Several years ago, I was struggling to tame my mind, that of a restless young man filled with insecurity, fear, and anger. But eventually, I realized that trying to fix myself by attaining material things was just like trying to put bandages on an untreated wound. I had to really dig deep and figure out where the wound (or the root) was coming from. I dug heavily into mindfulness, self-development, neuroscience, and ancient Eastern philosophy, and applied the practices, and it profoundly changed my life into one of fulfillment and peace. I packaged the tools that most helped me into the book in a concise and practical manner.

Please feel free to ask me anything about my journey.

The Book is called: Motivated Insight: Reaching Your Optimal State And Unlocking Your Inner Freedom - Available on Amazon in both Paperback and Kindle (Online) versions.

Most of the time I find myself tilting towards the easy route even when I know that easy doesn’t mean necessary.

I try to hide as much as possible from the pains and the hard piece that culminates into stellar results.

I think it is the reason why I have bought couple of gym memberships but allowed them slip without participating actively.

With all this shortcomings I still try to do the necessary as much as possible. Take the higher road and get the better results.

I am not perfect but I keep on pressing for the higher mark and I noticed to get to that mark I need to do the necessary more than the easy.

I am not where I want to be but I am on my path to where I want to be.

I created a YT channel (Built For More With Matt Miller); where I talk about things like this and this video is one of my latest short, if you wanna learn more about other soul searching titles do subscribe and let’s stay in touch.

Hi, new to Reddit... hopefully this is the right place to be posting this.

I’ve been meditating semi-consistently for over 7 years now, so I’d thought I’d share 7 lessons I’ve learnt from 7 years of meditation.

1. Start simple.

The periods of my life when I’ve been most consistent have been when I’ve returned to a super simple practice (maybe just 5 minutes a day) and built back up over time.

2. Some days are easier than others.

Some days you wake up refreshed, mind sharp, ready to sit down and get into your best state…

Some days your mind is totally cluttered and you can’t focus at all.

Sitting down to practice regardless of how you feel is what builds the habit.

3. You can’t do it “wrong”.

When your mind wanders, you’re not “doing it wrong”, noticing when it wanders is the entire point of the practice.

4. Meditation is a tool.

And there is a toolbox full of different techniques, methods and teachings that will help you overcome whatever it is you need right now.

5. Specifics don’t matter.

It doesn’t matter whether you sit down, lie down, use headphones or not, play music or listen to a guided class…

Just do whatever works for you in the moment.

6. There’s only one today, but infinite tomorrows

Whenever I’ve wanted to start a new meditation program, I’ve always put off starting for weeks.

You can start tomorrow forever, but you can only start today once.

7. It’s simple, but nobody does it.

“If it was as simple as sitting down and doing nothing for 10 minutes then everyone would do it”

It is that simple, but most people just don't believe it is.

Tldr:

1. Start simple.

2. Some days are easier than others.

3. You can’t do it “wrong”.

4. Meditation is a tool.

5. Specifics don’t matter.

6. There’s only one today, but infinite tomorrows

7. It’s simple, but nobody does it.

I don’t know if anyone else has this problem, but when I’m trying to focus on my breathing, my brain will aggressively start working against me. It will throw up random words and images to break my concentration. There I’ll be, trying to focus on my breathing, and my brain will start yelling “FRED FLINTSTONE!” “WINTER IS COMING!” “TRIANGULAR IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE WAY TO CUT A SANDWICH!” “MOLES!” et cetera…

In other words, I’m experiencing what I can only describe as psychological self-sabotage and I don’t know how to stop it. It’s like I secretly want myself to fail, and so when I try to clear my mind, I inadvertently end up filling it with junk because I’m trying to keep it clear, and there’s a part of me that doesn’t want me to succeed. This only happens when I’m meditating.

Does anyone else have similar issues? If so, how do you get around them? I’ve tried mantras, counting, etc… none of it works. Does it just go away with time and practise or is there some technique I can employ? Thanks.

I came across this quote by Sadhguru and I wondered whether it’s true. Is meditation rather an act of willingness? I can see how a successful meditation is more a product of sitting without trying to achieve anything. I guess that could in a sense be the same as willingness. I know that when I sit willingly for meditation it feels way better.

What do you think?

I feel like this is kind of complicated so please bear w me.

For the last 8 years, I’ve been on and off caught in a cycle where my fear of ruining positive experiences with anxiety/intrusive thoughts, actually ruins my positive experience. For example:

I’ll be listening to my favourite music, thinking to myself “wow this sounds so good, this feels amazing”. Then, the awareness of my enjoyment leads my brain to have the thought of “anxiety could just come in and ruin this moment!” and before I know it, it’s a self fulfilling prophecy. My anxiety came in and makes me feel crappy, ruining my experience of the present moment. It’s so easy to get caught as well because as long as you remember/are aware it can happen, it just will.

Initially, when facing this problem, I used to fight so hard to try and feel feelings of happiness again within these moments, trying to get the positive emotions to come back. This obviously did not work but instead made the problem worse, and throughout my day i was constantly worried about this problem.

Eventually, I realised that the only way to overcome this was to stop fighting these feelings/intrusive thoughts, watching anxiety and letting it do whatever it wants ruining, the moments if it has to. I did feel better because of this, but I ruminated on it so much in the past that its as if this anxiety is stuck in my subconscious mind.

Now, whenever I get an anxiety trigger, this past anxiety will js resurface again.

For example, if I worry about a work project, my body will remain in a hyper-sensitised state, weeks or months even after the work project has ended. During this period I am in a state of anxiety 24/7, and the problem I described before constantly resurfaces in everything experience I have. Even when I do not push away my anxiety/intrusive thoughts and just let myself feel the anxiety in the positive experiences I should have, my nervous system is just constantly stuck in fight or flight, reinforcing the inability to feel enjoyment for the moments, and I guess in some ways making me unable to genuinely accept my feelings as well. Which is what keeps me stuck in the cycle. Its basically as if the cycle is now already AUTOMATIC

I suppose the solution is definitely still to accept, but its js that, how can I accept my thoughts/feelings when my anxiety has gotten to a level that is so pervasive and affects my life so much? In some ways I definitely feel like I still haven’t learnt how to fully accept the problem of the anxiety cycle. So how can I? Whenever I try to “accept”to feel better, isn’t that effectively me just trying to avoid the problem?

Honestly… i wrote down some prayers and affirmations that help when it gets too much. Just things i use when everything feels so overwhelming. it’s all free so if it helps you, feel free to claim it 💙 no pressure or anything, just sharing what’s helped me through check link below if you wanna Free Anxiety Prayers

Hello, I've been getting into mindfulness meditation to solve some burden I carry in my brain from past occurrences from which I've suffered in high school. I'm wondering, have any of you been through a similar path? I'm trying to give mindfulness at least 30 mins a day. Sometimes I don't quite get to 30 mins a day but I try to focus on one thing at a time and also focusing on my breathing. My goal is to no longer suffer from the bad things that happened to me in the past and to not worry about that past getting to my present.

Thanks for reading

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do startups, businesses, or companies want to have their employees delve into mindfulness, at least for some minutes in a day? in general, HRs can keep track of this, and maybe this will help make the entity a better place, hence a nice way to grow for sure

help! what is your opinion on this?

The Courage to Call It Out

Some learn early
to scan the air,
reading every frown,
every whisper,
as the start of a storm.

Fear becomes a shadow,
and when trembling shows,
others laugh —
ridiculing the child
who already carried too much.

So silence takes root,
and shame weaves itself deep:
truth feels dangerous,
fear feels disgraceful.

Yet there comes a day
when words break through:
“That is nonsense.
That is wrong.
I will not agree.”

The trembling may remain,
but so does the proof —
we can speak,
we can stand,
and the world does not end.

Courage is not the absence of fear,
but the voice that rises
anyway.

Feeling lost is apart of finding yourself.

To me it hit bc growing up is honestly just figuring it out as we come. From career, business ventures, love and life. It’s all apart of it.

Hi all, been thinking lately how we can gain so much inspiration from indigenous wisdom and came into this book “the Spirit of the Rainforest” (by Rosa Vasquez Espinoza) who in the first chapter goes on to describe one of the most beautiful stories of creation I’ve ever heard

It’s from the Ashaninka people, who she represents, and talks about how before plants, rivers and mountains, there were only human spirits in the planet that were turned into the wildlife and ecosistema we now see in the world. N after death, we go back to the natural world. I’m sure im butchering it but it’s been really inspiring to me…

Any other read like that that u would recommend?

Have you ever stopped to think about the source of your emotions? According to Sadhguru, the answer lies within ourselves. We have the power to manufacture whatever emotions we want – joy or misery, fear or love, hatred, anger, anxiety or ecstasy.

This perspective is both empowering and daunting. It means that we are responsible for our own emotional state, and that we have the ability to choose how we respond to life's challenges. When we recognize this power, we can begin to take control of our emotions and create the life we want.

Many of us believe that external events or people dictate our emotions. However, this perspective suggests that we have the power to choose how we respond to these stimuli. By acknowledging and harnessing this power, we can break free from the influence of external factors and cultivate a more positive and resilient mindset.

It starts with self-awareness and a willingness to take responsibility for our emotional state. By practicing mindfulness, meditation, and other spiritual disciplines, we can cultivate inner peace and develop a more positive outlook on life.

What do you think about this perspective on emotions? Do you believe that we have the power to manufacture our emotions, or do you think external circumstances play a bigger role? Share your thoughts.

Thats it

I have done 60-90 minutes meditation a day in the past, and today I have done my first 2x60 minutes for the first time, by focusing on the breath and and every now and then acknowledging unpleasant sensations. I was met with much discomfort and stress and according to my Whoop my stress levels steadily increased during the second session, whilst the first session it was steady. I wonder if there is anyone else whose stress levels increase regularly during meditation sessions?

The other day at work, I noticed a colleague looking really upset. When I asked if she was okay, she burst into tears and told me how her mother-in-law had made her life miserable in the past.

When I asked if they were still living together, she said, “No, we moved out almost a year ago. In fact, she even called this morning to wish me on my anniversary.”

That’s when it struck me, the suffering wasn’t happening anymore, but she was still reliving it every single day. The past had a stronger grip on her than the present.

I shared a piece of Sadhguru’s wisdom with her for better clarity,

“What is past cannot be fixed. What is now can only be experienced. What is next can be created.”

She fell silent, then quietly asked, “But how do I actually let go? Is there any tool or way to forgive and move on?”

I shared how meditation & mental hygiene helped me break free from my own compulsive habit of replaying the past. It hasn’t made me perfect (I’m still very much a work in progress), but it’s given me the ability to be present, to live life as it unfolds instead of being trapped in old stories.

And it makes me wonder… how many of us are unknowingly prisoners of our own past? How many are still trying to “think their way” out of stress without realizing there might be another way?

Are You Still a Prisoner of Your Past Or Did You Find Your Way Out?