Ground Your Wondering Mind with Mindfulness
Did you know that your mind’s desire to wonder is its default mode? Having a sense of wonder can inspire or hinder us, and the determining factor is mindfulness. Through conscious intention and awareness, we become empowered to choose and create a life that is open to possibility rooted in the positive aspects of wonder.
You’ve likely heard the term “monkey mind,” referring to the part of our minds that jumps from one internal story line to another. For 80 percent of people, “monkey mind” runs their lives. When we’re not paying attention to what’s grabbing our mind’s attention, our lives can easily be consumed by negative story lines which create suffering.
Our mind creates our reality; it is the holder of our thoughts, beliefs, emotions and projections. A practice of mindfulness is how we take control of the “monkey mind,” our wondering mind, and curate those thoughts and corresponding emotions to create a reality that feels positive and productive.
Take a moment today to experiment with the following exercise. Each time you hear a chime, such as a bell, text message or email notification, stop before you automatically respond. Tune into what you are experiencing in your body and mind. What thoughts are repeating? What emotions, urges or sensations are you feeling in your body? Each time you put intention around what the mind is doing, you bring it back to the present moment and strengthen your ability to control your mind, focus and attention. Mindfulness enables you to consciously run your own life, creating the reality of your choosing each day.
Moment of Introspection & Leadership:
Focus and attention are essential skills required for accomplishing the tasks that are important to us. The way we become more efficient and improve time management in life is by cultivating a stronger ability to focus and pay attention.
In the beginning stages of becoming a business owner and leader, my mind felt like a pinball machine most days. My attention would shift and become distracted by the smallest things, like a new voice in the building, someone walking by, incoming messages I felt needed to be shared with team members right away. It was exhausting and drained my energy. I felt very anxious most of the time. As I learned to increase my focus by setting aside a moment of mindfulness each day, I began to feel more at ease in my inner world, and became more effective, more calm and efficient with time management.
Neuroplasticity is the mind’s ability to change. With practice, commitment and discipline, we can change our minds and change our lives! We can strengthen our focus and attention to become more effective in life. It’s the path to becoming a better version of yourself!
“You have two choices, to control your mind or let your mind control you.”
— Buddha
REFLECTIVE & DISCOVERY QUESTIONS FOR THOUGHTS & JOURNALING
What is an outrageous thought you have often?
What is something creative you have thought about doing?
FOR YOUR TEAM DAILY HUDDLE
How can we support each other today in our downtime?