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Overcoming Challenges with Mindfulness

Updated: Oct 4

Practising mindfulness can be incredibly beneficial for reducing stress, improving focus, and enhancing overall well-being. However, it's common to face challenges along the way. Here are some tips on how to overcome these challenges when practising mindfulness:


Impatience or Frustration:

Challenge: It's natural to feel impatient or frustrated when you can't seem to calm your mind or experience immediate benefits from mindfulness.

Solution: Understand that mindfulness is a skill that develops over time. Be patient with yourself and avoid judgement. Accept that your mind will wander, and gently bring your focus back to your chosen point of attention (e.g., your breath).


Lack of Time:

Challenge: Many people feel they don't have enough time for mindfulness practice.

Solution: Start with small, manageable increments. Even a few minutes of mindfulness each day can be effective. You can practise mindfulness during routine activities like eating, walking, or commuting. It doesn't always require a dedicated chunk of time.


Consistency:

Challenge: Staying consistent with mindfulness practice can be tough.

Solution: Create a routine by scheduling specific times for practice. Use reminders or incorporate mindfulness into your daily activities. Make it a non-negotiable part of your day, just like brushing your teeth.


Restlessness or Boredom:

Challenge: Some people find mindfulness boring or struggle with restlessness during meditation.

Solution: Experiment with different mindfulness techniques. Try walking meditation, body scan, or mindful eating. It's also okay to acknowledge restlessness or boredom as part of your experience without judgement. Mindfulness can be adapted to various preferences and personalities.


Physical Discomfort:

Challenge: Uncomfortable posture or physical sensations can be distracting during meditation.

Solution: Find a comfortable seated or lying position, use props (e.g., cushions or blankets), and adjust your posture as needed. Acknowledge discomfort without judgement, but if it becomes too distracting, make necessary adjustments and continue your practice.


Inconsistent Results:

Challenge: You might not always experience the same level of relaxation or focus during mindfulness.

Solution: Mindfulness is about being present with whatever arises, whether it's calm or chaos. Don't fixate on specific outcomes. The benefits of mindfulness can be cumulative and may not always be immediately apparent.


Self-Criticism:

Challenge: Being overly critical of yourself for not being "good" at mindfulness can hinder your progress.

Solution: Approach mindfulness with self-compassion. Be kind and understanding toward yourself, just as you would to a friend. Remember that it's okay to have thoughts and emotions during mindfulness; it's part of the practice.


Losing Motivation:

Challenge: You might lose motivation over time, especially if you're not seeing immediate results.

Solution: Remind yourself of the reasons you started practising mindfulness in the first place. Keep in mind that mindfulness is a lifelong journey, and its benefits often become more pronounced over time.


Seek Guidance:

If you're struggling to overcome challenges in your mindfulness practice, consider seeking guidance from a qualified mindfulness teacher or therapist. They can provide personalised guidance and help you address specific obstacles.


Remember, mindfulness is not about perfection but about being present in the moment, no matter what that moment holds. Embracing the challenges and persistently returning to your practice with an open and non-judgmental attitude can lead to profound benefits over time.

@Ease Creative Integrative Therapies with Val Phillips 2023

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