01/07/2021
I just came back from a silent retreat last week and I’d say it’s like doing Iron Man for the mind – not for everyone. It’s hell at the start but heaven by the end, especially if you make it to the end. Your brain constantly is having a hissy fit as it spits abuse at you – hour after hour, and you just sit there, not giving in. I thought it felt like I was having to babysit my own garbage.
If you don’t feel like doing mindfulness twelve hours a day, getting up at 6am with a gong, or giving up all distractions (i.e. your iPhone), you can still train your brain at home.
The thing is, you have to do it regularly, even if it’s just a few minutes a few times a day. Just like physical exercise, you have to commit to it – you won’t get a six-pack with just one sit-up. Think of it as taking your brain to the gym and working it out. You have to do it, not just plan to do it but think about it, everything you’ve ever learned is through practice (including walking, talking, even eating with a fork). Why should training your ability to focus, become present, increase your compassion and lower your stress be any different?
So wherever you are, practice feeling the sensations of your feet on the ground, bum on the chair, and then send to your breath – focusing on the depth, texture, speed.
Your mind will scream for you to get up and ‘do something’ urgently like eat a sandwich or hoover your carpets but you just notice those thoughts and with kindness, gently take your focus back to your breath and notice each inhale and exhale.
Eventually, the mind surrenders because you’re not obeying its every demand and when it gives up – that’s the road to freedom.
