Prior musings have outlined a method of optimizing physical, mental and spiritual health by focusing on self-care and embracing the mindful attitudes of non-judgmental acceptance, patience, curiosity, trust, non-striving and letting go.
“Stress is inevitable,suffering is optional.” This musing will explore the mindful concept of riding life’s stress waves without adding a layer of suffering. Suffering occurs when we wish events or situations were different than they actually are. Judgment and non-acceptance produce an internal dissonance that greatly reduces our ability to fully experience life moment by moment. This adds to the stress wave and robs us of energy,equanimity and joy.
It is common to wonder how mindfulness can help in situations that are unfixable and chronic. Long-standing internal and external challenges can tax our stress management limits. Ilness ,relationship struggles,family strife,work pressures and societal problems are but a few examples.
Mindful attitudes help us to actually embrace the unwanted without judgment. Instead of wishing unpleasant situations were different,we apply mindful concepts to focus our energy on clear problem solving and adapting to the realities of what we cannot change. No need to LIKE the unwanted situation,but if we can accept that it exists we can begin the process of gently working with it without striving. We can be curious about what is unwanted,seeing how perhaps our reaction is compounding the suffering around it. It may be helpful to widen our perceptual lens to examine a challenge from multiple angles.
When we fight reality, we become mentally clouded and physically exhausted,much like swimming against a strong current. The mindful qualities of curiosity ,patience ,trust and non-attachment to outcome help us adapt to the unwanted and make the best out of any situation. The extra energy,equanimity and clarity will make it more likely for solutions to appear or at the very least help us to adapt. Life can be lived with optimal well being no matter what challenges we are facing.
A fresh start moment by moment unfettered by the chains of the past or worries about the future help us handle the unwanted and ride stress waves more effectively.
Mindful homework:
Notice what stresses seem to be chronic and unremitting. Can you approach them with more acceptance? Can you employ curiosity,patience,trust and letting go to surf these stress waves more effectively? When you are suffering, it can be helpful to explore which mindful attitudes need enhancing. Journalling can be helpful to document shifts in attitude and your progress in adapting to life’s chronic challenges.
For optimal health, one needs to develop self-awareness, have clear health goals, a willingness to make necessary changes and an attitude of openness, acceptance and gratitude.