CJ's story

[CraigJ123]

Hi I'm Craig from north east England.

I became aware of mindfulness about 3 years ago when searching for help with focus. I work in an office and struggle to focus on work.

I've tried to get into the optimum state thousands of times and have only achieved it twice. They were amazing experiences though and it was better than any sleep I've ever had. Really refreshing.

I'm using it also to try lose weight at the moment by doing stomach crunches in bed before sleep. I keep trying to clear my mind but always failing, so at least it's doing some benefit. I also make my body relax / feel heavy as a friend one told me this helps get a good sleep and works.

I go to group mindfulness sessions at work every month which is really amazing although mind still wanders a lot.

I feel like I should be trying to practice mindfulness now instead of being on this forum!

[Peter]

I feel like I should be trying to practice mindfulness now instead of being on this forum!

Haha.. nice..

[Gareth]

I keep trying to clear my mind but always failing

Lose this goal. If you have a busy mind, then that is just the way that it is. Make your peace with that and keep coming back where necessary.

[CraigJ123]

Thanks. I try not to beat myself up about it but it was such an amazing buzz I intend to keep trying.

My plan B is to at least slow my thoughts down at least which works to a fairly high degree.

I'm going to try remind myself to find opportunities during the day to practice also as I usually nod off within 5 mins at night!

[Peter]

What Gareth said!!

And..

I've tried to get into the optimum state thousands of times and have only achieved it twice.

You express great attachment and judgment in this sentence. Both are causes for suffering.

[Gareth]

Allow your mind to be as it is. Sometimes our thoughts are racing. And that's cool, too.

[JonW]

Hi Craig,
Welcome to the forum.
You mentioned trying to get into the 'optimum state'. What do you mean by this?
Mindfulness isn't about attaining any particular state. It's about being with our present moment experience, just as it is - pleasant, unpleasant or indifferent.
Cheers,
Jon

[BronteFan]

Hi I'm Craig from north east England.

I'm using it also to try lose weight at the moment by doing stomach crunches in bed before sleep. I keep trying to clear my mind but always failing, so at least it's doing some benefit. I also make my body relax / feel heavy as a friend one told me this helps get a good sleep and works.

Hi Craig!

Welcome! I'm Ann. I'm British too.

I'm trying to lose weight too. I've lost quite a bit of weight just by walking. Being in the fresh air is good for clearing your mind though meditation helps a lot as does music, painting, sewing & creative writing, well for me & a lot of my friends & family anyway. Relaxation helps you sleep better as 1 of your friends told you.

I wish you the best of luck.

[CraigJ123]

Hi Craig,
Welcome to the forum.
You mentioned trying to get into the 'optimum state'. What do you mean by this?
Mindfulness isn't about attaining any particular state. It's about being with our present moment experience, just as it is - pleasant, unpleasant or indifferent.
Cheers,
Jon

It was about a year ago I was sitting at my desk and managed to blank my mind for about 10 seconds. I felt super charged afterwards like I had the most amazing sleep. I managed to do this again within a couple of days but have never managed it since.

[Matt Y]

The fact that you have never managed to blank your mind (except once) since your first time could be a big lesson.

The lesson: Trying to recapture an experience you had once before is usually a recipe for repeated failure.

Let go of all that struggle and you may find you start enjoying the experience you're actually having.