Elevating Your Perspective

When discussing mindfulness practice with a mindfulness client recently, I discovered the relationship between mindfulness and climbing a hill or mountain to reach a view. Often our minds can give us an endless stream of thoughts that leave us feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. It can sometimes feel like we are in the middle of a forest in a valley and have very little perspective or understanding of where we are. We may even feel lost or disoriented. A survival technique in the forest would be to climb to high ground to see where you are. Is there a way to increase perspective and see it all happening with more clarity in our own lives? Is there a way to climb the mountain to get a view of all that’s below, in this case seeing all the thoughts? While hiking up a mountain, one has to train and exert energy to be able to make it to the summit. Similarly in mindfulness practice, if one wants a clear perspective, practice and training of the mind is needed to be able to see clearly. With a consistent mindfulness practice, one is able to see clearly the thoughts which pass like clouds drifting over the valley below. They then have the choice whether to give that thought energy or let it pass. American Philosopher William James said “our greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over the other.” Without intentional mindfulness practice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with thoughts and not being able to see the big picture and expanded view. Swami Muktananda said “your goal is not to battle with the mind, but to witness the mind.” Come join me as we train the mind to be here for life and see clearly the valley below. I offer one on one, small group, and large group sessions for all who are interested in this life changing practice.