Forget being present - be yourself instead

Being yourself is what mindfulness is all about. Seeing mindfulness and meditation in this way makes everything easier and helps you feel better.

Being present, aware, spacious, and kind.

This seems to be what mindfulness is pointing to.

Yet we feel anything but.

We’re distracted, confused, closed and hostile.

And so this special kind of “being” gets raised on a pedestal.

And we feel even worse.

Now we’re closed and contacted AND not being mindfully present with all that spaciousness and kindness.

What about being you?

Not anyone else, you.

I know being you can suck sometimes (or is it just being me that’s like that?)

But what about finding a way to be you, exactly as you are, with a tiny bit more space, ease and kindness?

Not to replace what you are feeling and how you are, but alongside it.

I know this is easier said than done.

That deep down you’d rather get rid of all the ugly, painful parts of you (or is that just me?)

This being mindful business is a sneaky old thing. You think you’re accepting what’s happening, but really you’re just putting up with it.

That’s why doing this with someone else who can see what you’re up to is so helpful.

Whether that’s in a group or one-to-one, other people can help us see what we are so good at ignoring.

Thankfully this whole thing is held in an atmosphere of forgiveness and kindness, which makes it doable and even enjoyable. (I know that might sound weird but it’s true).