Blocking the flow, January 4, 2018 Daily Reflection

Relax and picture this

Have you ever been so frustrated and distracted that you can’t seem to think straight? I feel certain I just heard a huge, “YES” collectively respond. What we tend to do in those times is continue to muddy the process by overthinking it, or becoming angry and getting caught up in the emotion. We are blocking the flow of mindfulness. We are getting in our own way of calmness. This is why counselors and psychologist have suggested for years that when we are angry we should take deep breaths and count to 10. It slows our breathing, helps us to concentrate on something unrelated like numbers and gives us time to relax. I personally and intellectually know the importance of the practice of calming down. I understand mindfulness and living in the present moment. I realize that my emotions and thoughts are temporary. Yet, there are times when it is difficult for me to practice this. However, I do take the deep breaths, close my eyes, and ask for God’s help to center me by focusing on my breathing. After sometime doing this the flow returns.

Often times we think it the situations outside of ourselves are responsible for our frustration and distraction. This is partially correct. However, the bigger portion of the cause is our reaction to the outside situation. Given the time and practice of mindfulness we can control our reactions and get out of our own way so that we can react with compassion and love. Believe me it’s not easy but the more I practice it, the stronger the habit, which hopefully one day will become second nature to me.

So, the next time you are frustrated beyond belief, take a deep breath in, count to ten, center yourself on God, become aware of your thoughts and feelings and allow them to pass. It’s when we repeat, relive, and hang on to those feelings that we become more upset. Take the time to stop blocking your flow.

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