This is what I tell our young mindful superstars who join us at our MindFUNesssessions. Their little faces perk up and they naturally respond with excited anticipation. Their open hearts and curious minds are ripe for learning this potentially life-changing and life-enhancing skill.
If only we could stay with this way of being as we grow into adulthood and cope with all of the responsibilities along the way. We are inclined to close our minds to what we know or feel is right. As adults we generally enter situations with preconceptions, conditioning, ideas and judgements. We often have a preferred outcome. There’s nothing wrong with this and it is perfectly normal. However, it can seriously limit our ability to accept and show compassion, patience and understanding. As the Zen Buddhist, Shunryu Suzuki says, “If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything, it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few”
Having taught Mindfulness for many years and in with a host of different groups of people, I love to observe and hear the changing ways of being as committedpractitioners begin to understand that Mindfulness is indeed a super-power and definitely worth focussing on. As we introduce it into our lives little by little there are moments of lucid awareness and a recognition that there is the chance to be rested and well in every moment. This is where clarity brings insight and joy. A happier more fulfilling way of being in the world. A definite possibility.
So putting it simply, it is never to late to return to our natural state of being; embrace a new super-skill and look at the world through the eyes of an unsullied mind.
Trish offers Mindfulness & Compassion training programmes at the Acorn. See events or enquire for more information. Next Mindfulness course starts 9th September 2019.
Posted in Wellness and mindfulness by Acorn Wellness