The rishis that passed on the knowledge of yoga centuries ago, had it very clear that the biggest obstacle to our own happiness is…
US.
To be more precise, it’s the uncontrolled state in which our minds dwell.
The Katha Upanishad compares the mind to the reins that connect to the horses-the 5 senses.
If we don’t have control over the 5 senses and our minds, they can take us-atman,the traveller on the chariot- literally anywhere.
I have become very conscious of my mind space thanks to a number of dramatic events that happened to me- my mind was tempted to go back to the drama as soon as it switched on in the morning.
If I had let my mind feed itself on the dramatic facts that were happening to me, I would have ended up miserable, resentful, broke, and full of white hair!
Instead, I remembered: life is 1% what happens to you, and 99% how you respond to it (E.Tolle).
So, I started to watch my mind-space very carefully. I would let in only useful thoughts, only people who knocked the door and brought a gift, only narratives about who I was that empowered me.
I became very skilled at leaving out anything else, and anyone else that I didn’t want to have inside me.
Ultimately, I though:
if I have chosen to cut out certain people from my life, why would I make them live for free in my head?
So I want to share this exercise with you- a 7 days mindfulness challenge!
➡️ Watch your mind space every day for the next 7 days:
1️⃣ Don’t linger on thoughts that make you upset. Catch them immediately, let them go. Substitute them with empowering thoughts.
2️⃣ If you have an ongoing difficult situation, focus on the solution, never on the problem.
You will find out so much about your internal space – and in particular:
what are the most common negative self-talks/judments/dramas you can get out of?
I will support you with a story as a reminder every day.