Can't Settle

[Jenna]

Hi All

Just wanted to put a quick post on as the couple of 3 minute "mindfulness of body and breath" sittings I have done are ones that I haven't been able to settle. My mind keeps going into overdrive and wandering. Also, my body keeps telling my brain it has to move.

Is this normal? I have been very low for the last week or so.

Help!!!

x

[FeeHutch]

I think it is normal in as much as I have times like that. If I am feeling tense and distracted then my sitting practice can be effected. I just return to the idea of there being no goal of good or bad to reach. For me it is summed up the quote I have in my signature.
If you are feeling very low might it be worth talking to your GP for some additional support?
Take care of yourself

[The Dancing Phoenix]

This is very VERY normal

There are days I practice and it is such an effort to sit still without rushing off into all the jobs and things that my mind tells me to do.

The very fact that you have noticed how active and restless your mind tells you that you are beginning to become much more aware of the goings-on in your busy mind.

It can sometimes feel like you're trekking through mud. Each time you notice your mind is wandering, acknowledge that with a "yep, I'm daydreaming" or "I'm thinking about *this*" and congratulate yourself for being so aware! You can then kindly re-focus on your breath each and every time you wander.

Remember, you're learning to discipline your mind with new habits. It takes time, patience and gentleness.

So go easy on yourself and well done you for noticing how busy your mind gets! It is only with awareness that we can begin to cultivate change

[Jenna]

Thanks all

I will continue to work my way through "mindful way through depression" and also continue with 3 min meditations whilst reading introduction chapters.

I think you are right I was aiming for a 'goal' but my awareness is increasing

[Vixine]

I have the same problem a lot of the time. I do find that sometimes I feel myself settling more after the first 5 minutes or so and that the second half of a 10 minute meditation seems to be a bit more calm. I don't know if it would be the same for you, but if you ever try a bit longer to sit and give yourself that first few minutes to settle, there might be something different after. But also, as everyone has said just having that feeling of 'can't settle' is something that we notice, and that in itself is being mindful. Good luck with the book, I hope it's helpful to you.

[BioSattva]

The very fact that you have noticed how active and restless your mind tells you that you are beginning to become much more aware of the goings-on in your busy mind.

It can sometimes feel like you're trekking through mud. Each time you notice your mind is wandering, acknowledge that with a "yep, I'm daydreaming" or "I'm thinking about *this*" and congratulate yourself for being so aware! You can then kindly re-focus on your breath each and every time you wander.

Remember, you're learning to discipline your mind with new habits. It takes time, patience and gentleness.

So go easy on yourself and well done you for noticing how busy your mind gets! It is only with awareness that we can begin to cultivate change

Brilliant encouragement. I totally agree. There is plenty to celebrate:
* Daring to even consider mindfulness practice.
* Daring to actually try it and having succeeded in practicing at all thus far.
* Daring to share your problems on this forum so that others in the same place can benefit and not feel so lonely.
* Noticing the mind's busy-ness and seeking to face and accept it.

Every time you return your attention to your breath, and every moment that you relax the tension in your body by accepting 'what is', then that is a victory won. In fact, just remaining there and noticing what is happening is a victory in itself. All one has to do is do it.

Onwards and upwards!

[Jenna]

thanks everyone.

I did a meditation last night and found that my mind emptied for a short while. This is definitely progress I am continuing to do 2 3 minute mindfulness of body and breath meditation each day and this morning's seems to have really helped calm my brain.