Don't be Mindful, be Feeling

Mindfulness has become a buzzword in recent years, with many people advocating its practice as a way to live a more present and fulfilled life. The idea of mindfulness is to be fully present and engaged in the moment, without judgment or distraction. However, for many people, the concept of mindfulness can be difficult to grasp, and can even lead to frustration and anxiety. In this article, I want to challenge the notion of mindfulness and suggest that we should focus less on trying to be mindful, and instead, simply feel our emotions and allow them to flow.

The problem with the concept of mindfulness is that it implies that we are supposed to use our heads to be present. We are told to focus on our breath, to observe our thoughts, and to be aware of our surroundings. While this may work for some people, it can be challenging for others. It can be hard to stay focused on the present moment when our minds are constantly racing with thoughts and worries. Moreover, it can be difficult to observe our thoughts without judging them, which can lead to feelings of guilt or shame.

The reality is that we humans are creatures of feeling. We experience emotions in our bodies, not in our minds. When we try to be mindful, we are often trying to control our emotions or thoughts, rather than simply allowing them to be. This can create a sense of disconnection between our minds and bodies, which can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression.

Instead of being mindful, I suggest that we focus on feeling our emotions and allowing them to flow. This means being fully present in the moment, without trying to control or judge our emotions. It means acknowledging our feelings and allowing ourselves to experience them fully. By doing so, we can learn to accept ourselves and our emotions, and we can develop a greater sense of self-awareness.

Of course, this is easier said than done. It can be challenging to feel our emotions, especially when they are intense or uncomfortable. It can be tempting to distract ourselves or push our emotions away. However, by doing so, we are only delaying the inevitable. Our emotions will still be there, waiting for us to acknowledge them. Unacknowledged and suppressed, they will still find ways to manifest, and may do so in ways beyond our control.

So, how can we learn to feel our emotions? One way is to practice mindfulness, but in a different way. Instead of trying to control our thoughts or focus on our breath, we can simply be present in our bodies. We can notice the sensations we are experiencing, without judgment or analysis. We can tune into our emotions and allow them to flow through us, like a river flowing downstream.

Another way to feel our emotions is to engage in activities that allow us to connect with our bodies. This might include yoga, dance, or exercise. By moving our bodies and engaging in physical activity, we can release pent-up emotions and connect with ourselves on a deeper level.

So, while the concept of mindfulness has its benefits, it might not be for everyone. For those of us who struggle with being present or observing our thoughts, focusing on feeling our emotions may be a more effective approach. By allowing ourselves to experience our emotions fully and without judgment, we can develop greater self-awareness and acceptance. So, don't be mindful - simply feel and allow emotion to flow.