Another great piece from Brigid Delaney at the Guardian. Aside from the high entertainment value of the article, it gives an insight into the way we mostly approach our welllbeing in modernity. We’re almost always asking “what can I do to improve my state of mind?” Rarely do we consider what could I stop doing in order to improve my state of mind?” And I think this is a more important question because it prevents our attempts at wellbeing from becoming a hit and miss affair. Asking this question also gets us closer to identifying sources of dissatisfaction and unhappiness that won’t happen if we constantly try to drown out with external activities and being satisfied with short-term, superficial improvements that are the bread and butter of the “wellness industry (you won’t find me using that word very often).”
Of course, I believe people can take control of their mental health and wellbeing by meditating – which is doing something, right? Well, yes but this is where it’s helpful to be clear about what type of meditation we’re doing, what it’s purpose is and understand why it should work. The Cultivating Emotional Balance approach very clearly trains us to be stay relaxed and in control of our attention, which means we can stay put and not follow after every thought, idea and impulse that arises. By not allowing our attention to be captured by everything we encounter, we can choose to not be at the mercy of the inevitable turbulence in our lives. Then when it’s time to do something, we can choose to do what we think is the best for the wellbeing of ourselves and those around us. Enough from me – it’s a great article and well worth your time!