Psychotherapist Nathaniel Branden says in his book that I must have been around 18 years old. Whenever someone asked me to stay quiet, I used to get scared. Because as soon as I sat quietly, I started feeling strange, fearful and weak thoughts would start coming. I felt scared, Because I didn't know how to deal with my negative thoughts.
Branden says, that's why I was never calm. Either i would pass the time in some way or i would try to speak and debate without thinking. Which would harm self confidence and self respect. Then, on the advice of a therapist, I slowly started practicing mindfulness every day. And when the troubling thoughts started calming down, then I understood what the real meaning of self-awareness, self-acceptance is. I kept learning and understanding about my mind, so today I am a Psychotherapist.
Branden says 10 years of research proves that sitting quietly and meditating for 20 minutes every day increases your self-awareness, self-control and compassion. Due to increased self-compassion, you first forgive yourself and eliminate your guilt. And then gradually you forgive the others too. Due to these three factors, your self-esteem increases because your self-esteem is made up of self-awareness, self-control and compassion, hence a calm mind is full of self-respect. From this thing,
1. Practical Tips :
Do not take out time to sit quietly, rather integrate it with your lifestyle. For example, whatever free time you have, start it by sitting quietly for 10 minutes. If you cannot sit, then practice listening to guided meditation. Similarly, every day should start with silent time where you meditate for 10 minutes and then silently make intentions and plan for today's day in the next 5 minutes.
2. Practical Tips :
Slow down your moments. In Japanese culture, there are elaborate ceremonies for everything from shooting arrows to serving tea. Tea is served in a particular way and the cup is lifted in a particular way. This method was developed so that our attention should shift from the thoughts going on in the mind to the body and the process. Along with this, when we move our arms, legs and body slowly in a line without jerks, we become aware of the mind body connection and the calm mind behind it and the stress disappears.
Therefore, spend some time of the day doing such work where you have to be conscious of your body movements and for this you can also practice yoga and walking meditation.
I would like to thank everyone who came to my blog and read till the end and supported me and encouraged me. 🙏🙏🙏❤
