Written by: Kathryn Cluff, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
To Why Being Present is an Essential Art
A regular practice of being and living in the present moment brings peace and clarity.
Recall an occasion when you lost space of time due to drifting down a river of thoughts. Where did you go? These meandering pathways, or mental formations as they are called in Buddhism, refer to anything that is made or formed from something else. We use what we have learned in the past to make sense of the present and attempt to predict the future. This process is critical for survival. This is the upside.
On the downside, we can play a continuous, habitual loop of thoughts and stories based on the past that keep us stuck and spinning in our minds – down the rabbit hole! This is an incredibly stressful state of being. The rabbit hole analogy comes from Alice in Wonderland and goes like this, “The little girl just could not sleep because her thoughts were way too deep. Her mind had gone out for a stroll and fallen down the rabbit hole."
There is also a saying, “The present is a gift.” It is the only mental state where we can fully engage and make a difference ‒ mind, body, emotions, and soul. Reliving the past over and over is not a place of peace. And, when we fret over what our future may be, we usually do so based on what we have already experienced – the past. Both perspectives, when given free rein, cloud our thoughts and have great potential to hinder new ideas, potential, and possibilities. They keep us from experiencing what is in the moment. If your mind, like Alice’s, has “gone out for a stroll,” there is hope for peace and clarity.
Old habits leave well-worn paths that led us to where we are. When we are not intentionally engaged and focused on an activity, we utilize the default mode network of the brain. Do you daydream? Daydreaming, brushing your teeth and other passive actions free the mind to slip into these well-worn paths. If you want to know the substance of your default network, sit quietly, and notice the thoughts that arise. This can be a bit concerning, but don’t get too caught up in the exercise of chasing thoughts as they come and go endlessly. The good news is that we are wired to learn, and as we learn, we can develop new neuro-pathways.
Training the human mind is like training a puppy. It takes gentleness, patience, compassion, and the right tools. At first, the puppy wanders far away, and it takes a while to realize he is gone. We gently call him back. Over time and with repetition, he stays closer, and we learn to be aware each time he begins to wander. A busy mind is human nature, but there are tried and true practices that greatly improve our ability to be present. One of the most effective tools for training a meandering mind is meditation. Although it may feel impossible in the beginning, it is a key to peace and presence.
There are many ways to meditate, and you will discover what works best for you by trying several approaches. The first several times I (tried) to meditate was frustrating. If you can imagine trying to stuff a wild monkey in a box – that was my mind while my body twitched and vibrated! In honor of all wild monkey minds, I have created a 5-minute guided meditation to help you start your practice (Click HERE for your free meditation). Guided meditations are wonderful as they give the mind a focal point while the body learns to be still. With practice, your thought awareness will improve, and you will learn to use this format without guidance. You will also gradually increase the time in meditation as you experience the rewards of being calm and grounded.
Finally, make a plan to develop the habit of daily meditation by considering where and when. Morning or evening? At home, in nature, in your car? Consider adding meditation before or after an established habit that you enjoy. Before coffee, after a run, walk, or breathing exercises. Be curious and discover what works best for you. This evolving process is the artistry of being present and you are the artist. Prepare to experience life from the beautiful and unique canvas of a peaceful and clear mind.
Kathryn Cluff, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Kathryn Cluff is a gifted holistic healer and empowering life-transformation guide for women. She is the solopreneur of Soul Roots, LLC, based in the sacred Black Hills and serves clients virtually throughout the world.
At the age of 30, she became a widow and single mother of four children under the age of 8. Kathryn struggled for years with anxiety, and at one point considered suicide. It was nearly 20 years later when she reached that pivotal, rock-bottom point and made the decision to begin her journey of healing, self-love, and empowered living.
Kathryn’s signature Habits that Heal Hearts & Empower Women Program combines holistic arts and research-based practices, moving progressively through a process that equips women with powerful rituals proven to bring physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance. It is based on her own life-changing journey, personal practices, training in multiple styles of healing yoga and meditation, and as a Reiki practitioner. She is passionate about teaching as many women as possible how to heal themselves by calming the nervous system and reprogramming their inner dialogue from self-judgment to self-compassion and self-love.
Kathryn is committed to helping women live in harmony with the joys and the challenges of life—healing trauma, building confidence, establishing clarity, and creating the life and relationships desired. She offers a complimentary discovery session to stoke the fires of inspiration and open the heart and mind to the incredible possibilities awaiting.
