Observe areas of discontent and practice sitting with discomfort without rushing into a fix-it mindset.

Spirituality

Stress & Anxiety

Stress

Mindfulness

Consciousness

Open Awareness

English

When facing discontent in any area of your life, it is natural to want to fix it. This typically creates a vicious cycle of trying in vain to solve the problem. Reflection and goal setting are helpful, but obsessing over the problem is not. In this meditation, I guide you through the areas of your life that may need "spring cleaning" and help you to release the need to fix them, freeing yourself from the loop of problem-solving.

Awareness Without Fixing 

 Before we begin, you may want to have a journal nearby to note anything that comes up during your practice today. As you begin to settle in, establish a comfortable position, either seated or lying down. If seated, sit with the spine lengthened and your ears in line with your shoulders. Your eyes may be open or closed and maintain a soft attention to the breath. Bring kind awareness to the following three questions. When there is discontentment in your life, what is your natural habit? When there is discontentment in your life, what is your natural habit? How effective is this habit? How effective is this habit? Which area or areas in your life are you experiencing discontentment? Which area or areas in your life are you experiencing discontentment? When we experience discontent, the natural habit is to correct it. The mind goes into fix it mode. This often results in circular thinking, trying in vain to solve a problem. Although reflection and goal setting is useful, obsessing is often not. This exercise offers a technique to work with this fix it mindset. You can use it as a formal meditation practice and return to it at any point during your day when you notice the mind stuck in a loop of problem solving. Take two or three deep breaths, energizing the body. Bring awareness to your thoughts. To what area or areas of your life are you experiencing discontent? Friends, family, significant other, dating, life partner, career, motherhood, fatherhood, business, finances, financial well-being, health, physical, emotional, spiritual, social, your environment, home, work, hobbies, activities, personal growth, learning, self-development, achievement, community. Is there something specific you want to figure out or fix? Notice the issue itself, not your thoughts about it. Try to see what the problem is rather than focusing on the solution. With the problem in your mind's eye, notice any discomfort you feel around it. Is there fear of the unknown, insecurity, or a desire to plan something? Whatever your experience is, look at the issue with tender awareness. There is no need to judge yourself, beat yourself up, or jump right into fixing. Be with the discomfort as you rest in the awareness of the problem to be solved. Begin tuning into the mind and body. Is there tension in the body? Notice where it is. Recognize when the mind jumps into the desire to fix the discomfort by gently saying to yourself, fixing, or any other word that feels natural. With the intention of meeting your experience with patience, offer yourself a few phrases of mindful care, repeating these phrases aloud or silently to yourself. I see this discomfort. I see this discomfort. The mind wants to fix it. The mind wants to fix it. May I be present with this problem. May I be present with this problem. I see this discomfort. The mind wants to fix it. May I be present with this problem. Now take a moment to ask yourself what can be done. You don't need to come up with a clear step-by-step plan. Offer the simplest solution possible. Allow the solution to arise and don't dive more deeply into the story. As we begin to end our meditation and transition into waking awareness, remember the point of this exercise is to sit with the discomfort of the problem without immediately trying to fix it. Often, when we focus solely on finding a solution, we miss out on the opportunity to fully understand and address the underlying emotions and causes of the problem. By being present and aware of our thoughts and feelings, we can approach the problem with clarity and compassion, rather than in reactive fix-it mode. The next time you find yourself stuck in a loop of problem solving, try the simple practice of awareness without fixing and see how we can shift your perspective and approach. And when you are ready, take a few deep breaths. You may stretch. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Tenderly float open your eyes, sending you love and light on your journey. Namaste.