Fighting FOMO

Nature sets a beautiful example for what it means to enjoy where you are. Everything blooms and blossoms, wilts and withers in its own time without a care worry about what it's missing out on. Nature can teach us a thing or two about the fear of missing out and how there can be joy found in missing out, as long as we can find a way to be present with where we are. In this practice, we'll use the imagery of a tall oak tree or whatever tree that comes to mind. The leaves symbolize our thoughts and our feelings that arise when we sense this fear of missing out in our minds and bodies. And just like the tree, we're learning to stay rooted and enjoy exactly where we are, even finding joy in where we are no matter what the external conditions present. So beginning to settle in, sitting upright, feet firmly planted on the ground, shoulders relaxed, unclenching the jaw. And just taking a moment to just check in, noticing any mood that may be present, any thoughts, and then inviting three big, deep breaths into the body, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth, returning the breath back to its natural rhythm. And if you'd like, gently closing the eyes if you haven't already. And taking a moment here to set an intention for your practice today, so getting a clear sense of the purpose of you being here. The goal isn't to get rid of this fear of missing out, but more of relating to it differently, working with it and understanding it. And then bringing the attention to the body and the breath. And as you gently scan down the body, noticing where you're holding on to any tension or discomfort, and just meeting this area of the body with the breath, inviting the breath to the parts of us that may be resistant to rest, continuing down towards the feet. Once you arrive at the toes, bringing the awareness to the breath and noticing that rising and falling sensation in the chest or stomach. If at any time the mind wanders, just gently guiding it back to the breath. Now, bringing to mind the big, beautiful tree with it's thick tree trunk deeply rooted into the ground of the earth, with a sturdy, unwavering presence. Noticing the leaves on its branches, their color, texture, size. And as our thoughts come and go, feelings come and go. Just allowing them to come and go just like the leaves falling from the tree. Letting them land wherever they may and appreciating them as they are. I wonder what would happen if we could allow ourselves to just be where we are in this moment, firmly rooted in the now, embodying those qualities of the tree. And just notice what begins to arise when we do. Maybe noticing any thoughts or sensations of impatience, maybe resistance. Bringing the mind back each and...