Whatever Comes

My free write response to the question "What happens when you try to still your thoughts and what is your mind protecting you from?"

When I try to slow down, my mind accelerates. As if I’ve cleared this space for its busyness. In spite of deep breaths, closed eyes and visions of rivers or drifting leaves, my mind resists stillness.

It scrambles through checklists and connects dots between trivia and to-dos, confident and determined to save me from tragedy, from ruin, from disappointment, from wasting any time or blessing or life.

I attended an intense seminar just last week. I call it Therapy Camp. I learned that placing my hand on my heart, just for a moment, deepens breathing into my heart center. For a moment, my mind reclines. My essential self -my spirit- fills the opened space.

After a few minutes, my thoughts are stilled. My mind is refreshed. My entire self is present, regained. Ready for whatever is next to come.