It is difficult to let go of worries. The very nature of worrying seems to keep the mind busy, thinking of the concern over and over again. The more we think about the concern, the more anxious we feel, but there is a way to free the mind from worries.
I live in New England and my sons, who visited for Christmas last December, were traveling during a blizzard. I worried about them. Would they be warm enough? Would they make their travel accommodations on time? Would the transport be safe?
I have worried before and have found that the worrying is not a good use of energy – after all, it does not help a situation.
One way to free your mind from worries is to be in the present moment. Whatever you are doing, pay full attention to the task.
If you are arranging your CDs, focus on putting them in alphabetical order. If you are cleaning, pay full attention to the cleaning. If you are working, focus on the work. If you are driving, focus on the driving.
When we are attentive to what we are doing we enjoy many benefits:
1. improved concentration
2. higher quality communication and relationships
3. heightened clarity
4. improved efficiency
5. increased sense of flow
6. less stress
7. keener insight and intuition
8. authenticity
9. increased resilience to change
10. strengthened self-confidence as well as
11. a mind that is free from worry and anxiety – peace of mind.
So the next time you find yourself worrying, remember to pay full attention to what you are doing and your mind will be free from worries.
3 Comments. Leave new
[…] And because it is easy–when we are taking risks, losing our balance, making bad stuff, and putting ourselves on our own lists–to get overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, there is this lovely post from Saddhamala at Wildmind about how to free ourselves from worry. […]
Trying to control my mind is a very big deal…should I look for the space between the thoughts?
There is a neat Meditation Group here in Manch NH at Springfield College from 6p-7:30 or so now.
Yes indeed, trying to control the mind IS a very big deal. I think it’s not about controlling the mind as much as being aware of the mind and when our thoughts become obsessive or negative, realize that with kindness and say “Oh there are the obsessive thoughts or negative thoughts.” With the awareness and kindness, we can bring out attention to something else or something positive. Hope that makes sense.