Relax comes from within 🧘 | Brown University Meditation Retreat

Mindfulness, CBT, Gratitude

🙋 How long has it been since you spent a quiet day without looking at your phone?

🙋 Do you take the time to listen to your inner thoughts rather than question them?

After studying psychology for so long, it can still be hard to believe that we don’t need words to resolve our worries. But truly, you are the one who understands your own mind and body best. So, have you ever thought about becoming your own best friend?

Today’s meditation retreat gave me a lot to think about, so I’d like to share some of my reflections combined with insights from our teacher.

1️⃣ As long as we’re alive, emotions are part of the human experience.

Have you ever blamed yourself for feeling a certain way?

Why do we feel sad when someone we love leaves? Why do we feel a pang when friends hang out with others without us? Why do we feel lonely when we’re alone?

As humans, it’s natural to care about these things. Part of our default mode is to detect potential harm or danger. These emotions may not be negative, but they often feel uncomfortable. Accepting our nature means understanding that we think this way simply because we’re human, flesh and blood.

Give yourself some space. Set aside what you’re doing and listen to your thoughts as you would a close friend who’s going through a breakup. Just listen quietly.

2️⃣ The lifespan of stressful emotions is 90 seconds, unless you start ruminating on them or letting them grow.

Dealing with negative emotions is like moving on from a bad relationship. On the first day, you might cry your heart out; by day five, it’s just a dull ache, and by day ten, you’re excitedly going on dates again. Of course, this process varies for everyone, but the struggle often lies in constantly thinking about it, letting it ferment in your mind, and keeping yourself trapped in your ex’s shadow.

Negative emotions are like fleeting pain. Try letting them pass through your mind for 90 seconds. Don’t let your thoughts linger; imagine standing on the roadside, watching cars go by. Let them pass without stopping them. Your mind will naturally take those emotions where they need to go.

I know it’s not easy, but believe me, you can do it.

In this age of information overload, maybe try putting down your phone and spending time with yourself. Take a camera and capture your home, or look out the window and see if the view has changed since yesterday. I also encourage you to try meditation classes to experience today’s true luxury—relaxation.

#AestheticsOfLife #Meditation #NYCLife #BabyFoodTips

chinese blog