Mindfulness

If you have ever had an MRI, you know how loud and nerve-racking it sounds. Being confined to a tight space for several minutes isn’t ideal, especially lying on your back. I’m claustrophobic and anxiety arises just looking at the oversized machine. 

I closed my eyes and focused my thoughts. Never mind I was surrounded by this noisy challenge; it would not defeat me. Magnetic Resonance Imaging may have been occurring in my body, but Mindful Reflective Intention was occurring in my mind. As the knocking started, I focused on the tempo that matched a song I sang to myself. I redirected my thoughts to my breathing. Slow and deep was the goal. Positive thoughts kept me relaxed. I no longer focused on the knocking and pounding of the machines. 

My limbs became as light as a feather. I thought about my future. I did lose focus for a moment and opened my eyes. I quickly reclosed them and refocused my breathing and my thoughts. The MRI was an unexpected opportunity for Mindful Reflective Intention.

We encounter different types of noise daily. We often allow these invasions to disrupt our focus or mood. We become frustrated, anxious, and discouraged. Our greatest challenge is our response, which is often a physical reaction than a true mental response. The power of mindfulness is not realized until we need to escape mental challenges. Mindfulness takes practice and we get better with every attempt. 

The next time you are overwhelmed by the smothering, hard knocks of life take time for your M.R.I.

from My Heart to Yours
Paedra