General Information – Mind Weariness
Unlike body weariness, mind weariness sneaks up on us when we believe everything is going well. We may be feeling like we are having a very good day and are ready to head out and enjoy an evening with friends when it hits. A sudden tiredness overwhelms us. We find ourselves unable to make a decision. “Where do you want to eat? “I dunno, where do you want to eat?” We are unable to be spontaneous or impulsive, choosing to go to our usual Friday night place. Trying to decide on something new is just too much for us to handle.
Mind weariness develops when we have been concentrating for too long or, we have been caught up in a tangled web of ideas that cannot/will not untangle themselves. It also occurs when our “want to” get crossways with our “ought to.” Or when what our minds says what is true cannot be reconciled with our deeply held beliefs. Each of these situations causes us to experience a lack of concentration. We become mentally lazy for lack of energy. We retreat into formulas and stereotypes, accepting them at face value, and find the easiest path beyond our dilemma. In its most advanced form it becomes “Pool Ball” thinking, ricocheting off every idea or opinion that comes our way. We become less thoughtful and more reactive. We are overwhelmed by the simplest task and over-think every problem or possibility.
The most devastating part of mind weariness is that we are seldom aware of it. It leads us into a mindlessness and a very real loss of conscious action and thought. We go on auto-pilot and do not realize that we are not flying the plane.
We can survive mind weariness as long as we acknowledge it and find ways to deal with it. If ignored, it will lead us into poor judgment and choices that can have deadly consequences. Mind weariness demands that the ransom, a deep mind-numbing battle within ourselves, be paid. The only way back is through mindfulness.
Mind weariness develops when we have been concentrating for too long or, we have been caught up in a tangled web of ideas that cannot/will not untangle themselves. It also occurs when our “want to” get crossways with our “ought to.” Or when what our minds says what is true cannot be reconciled with our deeply held beliefs. Each of these situations causes us to experience a lack of concentration. We become mentally lazy for lack of energy. We retreat into formulas and stereotypes, accepting them at face value, and find the easiest path beyond our dilemma. In its most advanced form it becomes “Pool Ball” thinking, ricocheting off every idea or opinion that comes our way. We become less thoughtful and more reactive. We are overwhelmed by the simplest task and over-think every problem or possibility.
The most devastating part of mind weariness is that we are seldom aware of it. It leads us into a mindlessness and a very real loss of conscious action and thought. We go on auto-pilot and do not realize that we are not flying the plane.
We can survive mind weariness as long as we acknowledge it and find ways to deal with it. If ignored, it will lead us into poor judgment and choices that can have deadly consequences. Mind weariness demands that the ransom, a deep mind-numbing battle within ourselves, be paid. The only way back is through mindfulness.
Tips -- Mindfulness
Mindfulness is “…a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.”
Mindfulness comes from the ancient practices of Buddhism. Many of its principles have been adapted into western culture, both sacred and secular. Mindfulness is far too complex for this brief space, so I want to offer you a technique you can use to move from mindlessness toward mindfulness. I call it De-focus/Re-focus/Re-direct.
De-focus
Step back and accept that this problem or situation is not going to be resolved right now. Your mind is not capable to seeing anything larger than the mosquito in the room. Mindfulness begins with de-focusing your attention on the mosquito so that other ideas or solutions have space to enter. This requires a stillness of body and soul that will allow the mind to let go.
Re-focus
Gradually become mindful of your surroundings. Pay a fleeting attention to the events going on within and beyond your skin. Allow your mind to float like a butterfly on the gentle breeze of experience. Re-focus on the being the butterfly, sustained by the nectar of each encounter with the world within and the world beyond.
Re-direct
Gradually, those moments may coalesce into a renewed attention, informed not by our inner desires or prejudices, but by our encounter with ourselves and the world. Drop your keel into this new attention and set your sails to catch the breeze of the inward and outward experience. Let yourself follow the path before you with a renewed mindfulness for who you are and the world in which you live.
Mindfulness comes from the ancient practices of Buddhism. Many of its principles have been adapted into western culture, both sacred and secular. Mindfulness is far too complex for this brief space, so I want to offer you a technique you can use to move from mindlessness toward mindfulness. I call it De-focus/Re-focus/Re-direct.
De-focus
Step back and accept that this problem or situation is not going to be resolved right now. Your mind is not capable to seeing anything larger than the mosquito in the room. Mindfulness begins with de-focusing your attention on the mosquito so that other ideas or solutions have space to enter. This requires a stillness of body and soul that will allow the mind to let go.
Re-focus
Gradually become mindful of your surroundings. Pay a fleeting attention to the events going on within and beyond your skin. Allow your mind to float like a butterfly on the gentle breeze of experience. Re-focus on the being the butterfly, sustained by the nectar of each encounter with the world within and the world beyond.
Re-direct
Gradually, those moments may coalesce into a renewed attention, informed not by our inner desires or prejudices, but by our encounter with ourselves and the world. Drop your keel into this new attention and set your sails to catch the breeze of the inward and outward experience. Let yourself follow the path before you with a renewed mindfulness for who you are and the world in which you live.
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