Mindfulness is the Key to Mental Freedom
"The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves."
—Alan Watts
I invite you to practice a brief exercise with me…
Allow yourselves a moment to simply pause, lift your eyes from this article, and look around at the beautiful details of your surroundings. What do you see? Which colors do you notice? Which shades and hues stand out to you?
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Listen to the general buzz of the world. Which noises can you hear? Do you hear any noises in the distance? Do you hear any subtle sounds in your immediate environment? Can you equally notice the silence – the space in between the noises?
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Become cognizant of your body. What physical sensations do you notice? Can you feel the contact between your body and your seat? Are there any areas of tension or relaxation? How are you feeling emotionally?
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Notice your breath. At what rate are you breathing? Is your breath rapid or slow, shallow or deep? What does it feel like when you inhale? What does it feel like when you exhale.
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Now, simply be as you are. Quietly examine and listen to life without label or judgment. Rest in the stillness of observation. Truly allow yourself this moment to deeply experience the senses.
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Enjoy this space of Stillness for as long as you feel comfortable.
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Buddhist traditions often call this practice Sati.
Western psychology calls this practice mindfulness.
The practice of mindfulness allows us to disentangle ourselves from our ceaseless stream of thoughts and emotions. It brings about awareness of what some schools of Buddhism call the “Luminous Mind,” which is the part of the psyche which observes, examines, or “illuminates” passing thoughts, emotions, and sensations.
In other words, the more we use this skill of mindfulness, the more observant we become. In turn, this allows us to be more present and calm for ourselves and our loved ones.
By making moments of mindfulness in our everyday lives, we also allow our minds opportunities to relax, open, and expand. With this, we truly become able to see and appreciate the beautifully shining details of the life that surrounds us.
This is true mental freedom…
and it begins by simply pausing and listening.
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May this practice of mindfulness bring you a daily sense of peace and clarity.
Max Kristopher Komes
www.MaxKomes.com
Max Komes is a Masters-level Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern offering supervised in-person counseling services in Pensacola, Florida, as well as statewide.
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Welcome to Clarity. Join Clarity Culture at ClaritySanctuary.org. Together, we aim to find the clarity amidst the confusions of life.
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This writing is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have imminent health concerns, please call 1-800-NAMI.
