Hitting the Reset Button on Ourselves
Welcome to Fishing Without Bait, where we explore a life without expectations. Today, we delve into the concept of resetting ourselves and recharging through mindfulness and loving kindness.
The Importance of Resetting: Turning off our phones, resetting computers, and rebooting tablets are necessary steps to optimize their functioning. Similarly, our minds require resets. Have you ever considered mindfulness and meditation as a form of resetting yourself?
The Power of Loving Kindness: When we're in pain and suffering, our minds and bodies become inflamed. In these moments, loving kindness can act as a soothing balm. Just as we put balm on a bee sting or sunburn, loving kindness offers comfort and self-soothing. It creates a gap between our thoughts, providing a buffer against the intensity of our experiences.
Scientific Evidence and Benefits: Research conducted at the University of North Carolina revealed the positive impact of loving kindness meditation. Participants who practiced loving kindness for six weeks experienced improved heart rate variability, which reduced the risk of heart disease. This practice also regulated glucose levels, immune response, and emotional patterns.
Charging Your Own Battery: Many of us have felt drained at times, yearning for a recharge. By cultivating self-compassion and showing kindness to ourselves and others, we can recharge our own batteries. Practicing loving kindness daily helps build resilience and reduces the urge to engage in destructive behaviors.
Breaking Free from Past Suffering: We often react to present experiences based on past pain. By observing and practicing loving kindness, we create a pause, a millisecond's buffer, between our thoughts and actions. This break allows us to make wiser decisions and avoid harmful behaviors.
The Importance of the Present Moment: Leo Tolstoy's story, "Three Wondrous Answers," emphasizes the significance of the present moment. The hermit in the story advises focusing on the present, prioritizing those around us, and seeking the happiness of the person we're with. This narrative aligns with the practice of bathing ourselves in loving kindness.
Final Thoughts: Incorporating mindfulness and loving kindness into our daily routines provides an opportunity for resetting and recharging. Just as we reset our electronic devices, we can reset our minds and hearts. Let us cultivate compassion, acknowledge our pain, and choose love over negativity. Each day offers a chance for a fresh start—embrace it and live mindfully, guided by loving kindness.
To explore more of this concept, check out our related podcast episode.
