the art of getting lost: how mindfulness helps you find yourself

last time i shared it’s not a problem or a personal failure to lose your focus while trying to be mindful – it’s “normal”.

moreover, i shared it’s actually an important aspect of the practice.

“not all who wander are lost” kinda thing.

the way i see it, getting lost is a crucial part of growing up.

and mindfulness provides you an opportunity to get lost and found again… and again… and again.

every time you notice you’ve wandered and bring your attention back, you’re building mindful awareness.

in terms of growing up: by observing this pattern of getting lost and found, you start uncovering deeper truths about yourself – in contemplative circles, this is known as “insight”.

mindfulness helps you build insight into how your mind works, the emotions that pull you, and the stories you tell yourself.

this is where mindfulness becomes transformative.

becoming who you truly are

i often share the story of a reporter who asked michelangelo how he created his renowned statue of david out of a huge block of stone.

michelangelo responded with, “i just removed everything that wasn’t david.”

boom.

for me, this exemplifies one of the transformative benefits of mindfulness.

not only will you learn new things about yourself by practicing mindfulness, but mindfulness is also a process of unlearning old things – they go hand in hand.

in other words, when you pay attention to your inner world, you naturally begin to shed outdated patterns of thinking and feeling that no longer serve you.

think about it as updating your inner software.

doing mindfulness

mindfulness happens when you are a curious observer of your experience – like being a scientist of yourself.

and it need not be a struggle.

it’s not about intense concentration or sitting on a cushion for hours.

it’s as easy as noticing the water temperature in the shower or the sound of your footsteps as you walk.

ACTION ITEM: pick an everyday activity as a mindfulness practice.

for example, while you are doing the dishes, notice when your mind wanders off to some other place, like work or relationships.

then, simply bring your attention back to your breath, or your feet on the ground, or temperature of the water.

easy.

do this the entire time you do the dishes.

or while brushing your teeth.

or while walking to the mailbox.

choose several different activities – makes no difference really – you can be mindful in any moment.

that’s all for now.

next week, we’ll examine the relational component of mindfulness.

hint: it’s about getting on good terms with yourself.

wishing you many curious moments,

donald

p.s. if you’re interested in learning more about mindfulness, check out my friends at UW Mindfulness Program.