#mindful may

[justhiitit]

Back to F45 after a month off or so. I going to give it a go for the next 3 months. Much of my life feels lost right now, so having this one anchor will be good for me. Made 4 classes this week, already back in the groove.

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Mindful May Day 28: Acceptance

The following is from Amy Ratcliffe's The Jedi Mind.

"Only you can change yourself."

-Bendu

The Force-sensitive Bendu calls out to Kanan Jarrus as he is meditating, the Jedi Knight having been blinded in battle by Darth Maul. When the two meet again, Bendu, who stands between the light and the dark, offers the wisdom that external forces fo not make someone good or evil; that power lies only within one's self.

Instead of investing energy in conditions we cannot change, we must strive to accept those conditions as they are. Accept that sometimes situations are already established, and all we can do is react to them. Think about yourself, all your attributes and behaviors, and practice self-acceptance.

Practice: Self-Acceptance Meditation

Sit with your back straight but relaxed, in a comfortable position. Close your eyes.

Take three deep breaths, inhaling slowly through the nose and out through the mouth. Then breathe naturally.

When your mind wanders - and it will- repeat this mantra softly or in your head: "I am doing enough. I have enough. I am enough."

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Mindful May Day 27: Awakening

The following is from Amy Ratcliffe's The Jedi Mind.

"Rey, never be afraid of who you are."

-Leia Organa

While Rey trains her mind and body to harmonize with the Force, she confronts dark doubts within. Leia offers Rey this expression of acceptance to help her leave her past behind.

Our family names and legacies that come with them do not define us, but we should not be afraid of who we are wither. We can make this decision every morning, and give ourselves a boost to start the day by being truly awake and aware. This moment of mindfulness will set the tone for the day ahead and keep us close to our thoughts- especially the ones we have about ourselves.

Practice: Measured Breathing

Before you get out of bed, give yourself a quiet moment.

Sit on the edge of your bed with a straight back. Take a deep breath from your belly through your nose, silently counting to three as you inhale. Hold the breath as you silently count to five. Exhale forcefully through your mouth while you count to six.

Repeat three to five times.

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Mindful May Day 26: Observation

Disclaimer: The following is from Amy Ratcliffe's The Jedi Mind.

"If this is the path you're called to, then this is the path you must follow."

-Obi-Wan Kenobi

The Jedi Council extends an invitation to Qui-Gon, but because the Jedi Master knows himself, he declines. He realizes joining the Council does not align with his goals. Obi-Wan supports his master's decision; his teacher listened to his heart, and maybe the Force.

It can be invaluable and informative to take a moment and think about how we can listen to our heart-how to better recognize our place in the context of the world and our own path. Experiencing everything as fully as possible is a step toward that goal. The more we notice about the world, the more we notice about ourselves.

Practice: Senses Journal

Get a notebook, ideally one dedicated to this purpose, and a pen.

Sometime before bed, write a journal about your day, but only from your senses' perspective. Try to record three to five (or more) items for each sense- seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, smelling. Repeat daily.

Recording these experiences in the journal will make you more likely to notice- and appreciate- what you're sensing as it happens.

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Mindful May Day 25: See the Bigger Picture

Disclaimer: The following is from Amy Ratcliffe's The Jedi Mind.

"Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes."

Yoda

Luke is skeptical of the powers of the Force despite Yoda''s teachings. The wizened Jedi Master tries to reset Luke's cynicism by pointing out how the Force's radiance cascades through the galaxy and shapes life. He knows that Luke would see past the limitations he's imposing upon the Force, he could better wield it's energy.

When we lose sight of the bigger picture, Yoda's words can serve as useful guideposts. We can ground ourselves in the ebb and flow of this world by immersing ourselves in nature.

Practice: Forest Bathing

Find a nearby green space. It doesn't have to be a literal forest, just somewhere that you feel surrounded by nature, with space to wander.

Choose a flat trail or an area to explore.

Walk slowly, observe, and experience the areas. Open your sense. Breathe, slowly and deeply. See how sunlight filters through the trees. Listen to the sounds, the calls of creatures and insects, and the rustling of leaves. Sit beneath a tree and feel the bark against your back. Bathe yourself in peace.

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Mindful May Day 24: Connection

Disclaimer: The following is from Amy Ratcliffe's The Jedi Mind

"May the Force of others be with you."

-Chirrut Imwe

While sitting on the streets of Jedha City, hoping for credits, Chirrut sends wishes of good will to those who pass by. With this short phrase of blessing and with the spirit of community, he connects himself and those around him in a positive light through the Force.

A positive spirit of mind can be difficult amid the inner monologue echoing in our heads- a monologue often full of judgements and critical evaluations, of ourselves and others.

Practice: Nonjudgemental Awareness

Mental chatter fills the mind. Whether you like or dislike something in yourself or others fuels part of that chatter. Next time you're people watching, observe how often judgements come to mind.

Judgements are thoughts. Acknowledge you are having the thoughts, then let them float away, without any weight or embellishment. Be- or strive to be- impartial, especially concerning self-judgments. As you become more aware of the judgements you make, they'll be less likely to preoccupy your mind.

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Mindful May Day 23: Gratitude

Disclaimer: The following is from Amy Ratcliffe's The Jedi Mind.

"When I was out there, alone, all I had was your training and the lessons you taught me, and because of you, I did survive. And not only that, I was able to lead others to survive as well."

-Ahsoka Tano

Jedi Masters train their Padawans in what they know about the Force- lightsaber technique and the ways of the Jedi and the galaxy- but also embody personal lessons in judgement, inner strength, responsibility, and much more. Ahsoka expresses gratitude to Anakin many times for his teachings.

Expressing gratitude is a form of recognizing gifts that we may have been granted but may not have recognized as such if we had not paused to give thanks. Capturing the things and people we are thankful for in a list can contribute to a more positive, more mindful mindset. To appreciate something is to notice it happened, and that can assist us in recognizing more opportunities to say 'thank you.'

Practice: Gratitude Journal

Select any blank notebook as your gratitude journal.

Either just after you wake or right before bed, write down the date and at least three things or people you are grateful to have in your life, and write a sentence (or two) about why they make you feel this way. Your gratitude can be for something big or small.

Occasionally look back through the journal and notice how much you have to be grateful for. Have you thanked the people you recorded in its pages?