Mindful Rush
In the middle of the woods, the ice was beginning to thaw from some of the more stubborn ice dams in the creek. The newly released water was rushing down the incline, with the excitement of pent up energy and knowledge of so many places to go! The music of that water spoke of movement and action and longing for the next thing, of being fully mindful in that moment of participation.
Spring can be like that. We are eager to shed the confines of winter and move on to the activities of Spring. The clink of baseball bats, the tank tops at the first hint of warmth, the squeezing in the last game outside before the light fades. It can feel rejuvenating and overwhelming all at the same time. There is a risk here of moving too fast before we have direction. We miss the balance as we swing from one season to the next. We miss the moment to be mindful and intentional in our choices and actions.
Mindful Slowing Down
Right by that same ice dam in the stream, if I stand still, is a patch of moss and dark earth. And when I pause and look closer there are tiny shoots of green pushing through. Slowly, slowly these shoots have progressed, with a singular direction in mind – towards the sun. They are not rushed, nor distracted, nor concerned with the headlong rush down hill. These sprouts simply push their roots deeper and leaves higher. They are single minded in their purpose. They are mindful.
The Mindful Balance
It might seem that slowing down is the optimal course. That being mindful is truly about decreasing our headlong rush down hill. And in some ways it is. It certainly is being aware of small pleasures and moments that may go unnoticed, like microscopic shoots of new life in moss. At the same time, mindfulness is also about paying attention to what we need, like the hope of Spring and the energy that comes with engaging in new things. It’s not really about one or the other, but about intentional direction. From day to day are we headed towards the sun in any given moment, or down hill? Which do we need that day or that specific moment?
The Role of Therapy
Therapy can help you move towards that intentional balance. In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a research based therapeutic intervention, you slow down to get clarity on your goals and values and then you move with energy towards those goals, knowing that you are aligned with your values. Individual therapy in and of itself, with its intentional carving out of space for you, is an act of slowing down and movement at the same time, as we pause to reflect and then consider what needs to change. There is no better time than Spring for fresh starts and for ensuring you are making mindful, intentional decisions. Reach out today for a therapy appointment and get help in moving towards a more mindful Spring.
