Lately it seems as if everytime I listen to the news, or turn on the television, I’m bombarded with predictions of doom and gloom!
According to the headlines, the past brought us strife and the future is bound to bring us more suffering!
From the unrest and hostilities in the Gaza Strip, the War in Iraq, our global economy and what’s happening in in my local community, it’s easy to see why so many people are walking around feeling scared, anxious and stressed out.
As a therapist, many people think, I “should” have the perfect tools to deal with these situations, and while it’s true (I do have access to information, tools and healthier approaches towards handling these situations), it doesn’t mean I’m immune to it. At times I find myself getting caught up and carried away in the stories and predictions of doom and gloom. When this happens, I end up losing my sense of balance, feeling discouraged, and overwhelmed. It’s as if I’m in the midst of a terrible storm, without a compass to guide me home. So how do I find my way back home?
Finding Peace in the Midst of a Storm
When I’m feeling overwhelmed what helps, is to bring myself back to the present moment. The best way I have found to do this is through the practice of mindfulness meditation.
I began learning about mindfulness meditation years ago when I felt as if my life was out of control. Feeling powerless and helpless, I walked around with the weight of the world on my shoulders. I felt as if the life was all about pain and suffering. Mindfulness was like a breath of fresh air and I welcomed it into my life with open arms.
The Benefits of Developing a Mindfulness Practice
Becoming mindful helps me recognize and identify when I am dwelling in the past, predicting the future or floating in la-la land. This practice allows me to become aware of the beauty, sorrow and realness of the world around me. I get to be present and experience sensations, sights and sounds; the wind against my skin, the warmth of the sun on my face, the joy in my son’s laughter, the sadness I feel at witnessing suffering. As a result of being mindful I am able to take in every experience without the pressure of having to come up with an action plan.
Mindfulness also helps me to recognize that I can’t control what goes on around me, I can only control how I react to it. In letting go of trying to control the outcome, I let go of judgment and learn to accept things as they are. This helps me develop the ability to connect with myself, my partner, and the world from a place of acceptance, empowerment and compassion. As a result I have found balance, freedom, and joy in my life and this is a priceless gift! A gift that I am able to pass on to those whose lives I touch and those who come into my life.
Next: Steps Towards Practicing Mindfulness
Cindy Ricardo, LMHC is an Imago Relationship Therapist with a private practice in Coral Springs, Florida. She teaches couples and individuals about how to create a balanced, joyful and peaceful life. She also runs workshops for couples about how to create loving and supportive relationships and Women’s Empowerment Workshops addressing topics related to assertiveness, boundaries and self-care. For more information please contact her at 954.793.6442. or visit http://www.acaringcounselor.net to learn more about her services.
