(Mind)ful Meditation- Search Inside Yourself

In order to harvest healthy social connections, it's important to start with yourself. Let's explore how we can create a healthy state of mind!

Our minds are always so full. Preoccupied with the latest gossip, what to cook for dinner, making sure the kids did their homework and if we took the laundry out of the washing machine. What we rarely consider is: Did we make for ourselves today? Did we check in to make sure we are okay? Just as the saying goes- "You cannot pour from an empty cup"

Chade-Meng Tan; Googles earliest engineer and personal growth pioneer, wrote a book called Search Inside Yourself (SIY). Meng created a 3 step curriculum that offers proven methods to enhance mindfulness and emotional intelligence in all areas of your life. Meng believes that mindfulness is the key to a life filled with happiness.

Step 1:

Attention Training aka Mindful Meditation: "A mental training that teaches you to slow down racing thoughts, let go of negativity, and calm both your mind and body." Cathy Wong. Verywellmind.com 2020.

Step 2:

Self Awareness

"Self-awareness involves being aware of different aspects of the self including traits

, behaviors, and feelings. Essentially, it is a psychological state in which oneself becomes the focus of attention." Kendra Cherry. Verywellmind.com 2020.

There are 3 spheres to consider in relation to self-awareness:

1. Emotional Awareness, the ability to understand your own emotions and their effects on your performance/ behavior. Daniel Goleman. Korn Ferry Institute 2021.

2. Accurate Self Assessment, knowing your strengths and weaknesses. Examining questions like, What matters to me?

3. Self Confidence, trust in one's abilities, capabilities and judgement. American Psychological Association.

It is suggested that there is a linear connection between the three. Once you gain a sense of emotional awareness, you will then be able to accurately assess yourself, in-turn creating strong self confidence.

Step 3

Self Regulation

"The ability to manage disruptive emotions and impulses...it involves controlling one's behavior, emotions, and thoughts in the pursuit of long-term goals" Arlin Cunci. Verywellmind.com 2020.

The concept of "Loving Kindness" helps reel in all the complexities of our thoughts in strenuous situations and apply a sense of self compassion and compassion for others!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJNLbPpVT_Q

Introspective work is difficult! Being forced to spend so much time with myself due to COVID, I have found myself constantly observing and reflecting on various situations. My goal is to grow and be better, not only for myself but those around me. I acknowledge that in order to pour from my cup, it needs to be full. Implementing the mentioned strategies has greatly influenced the changes I'm seeing and will growth I will continue to strive towards.

Visit the Shop to purchase Search Inside Yourself by Chade-Meng Tan.

Let's Connect! Join us in the community board to share some ways you enjoy spending time with yourself!

#wellconnected #mindovermatter #wereinthistogether

References:

Salzberg.S, Mindful. February 2016. An Introduction to Lovingkindness Meditation from Sharon Salzberg and 10% Nicer - YouTube

Garrison Institute, June 2015. Infographic: 10 Steps to Mindfulness Meditation - Garrison Institute

InnerDrive. 2019.6 ways to improve self-awareness (innerdrive.co.uk)

Tan.C-M, Goleman.D, Kabat-Zinn.J, Harper Collins 2012. ISBN0062121421, 9780062121424. Search Inside Yourself: The Unexpected Path to Achieving Success, Happiness (and World Peace)