A Non-Striving Approach

One of the trickier aspects of mindfulness is reconciling the relationship between being present while simultaneously setting goals and planning for the future. You can see how those ideas might seem to contradict each other. But the fact is that duality can actually lead to more opportunity for growth and reflection. Ambition is admirable, but it can also be a double edge sword. Especially during those fleeting moments of calm before the week begins. We can get so wrapped up in where we want to go, and getting there as fast as possible that we disregard opportunities for meaningful growth along the way, and get bogged down by negative chatter whenever we fall short. So as you prepare for the week ahead, I encourage you to try a non-striving approach to pursuing any sort of goal in your life. Whether it's part of your career, education, or milestone you set for yourself. Don't give expectations the power to dictate the way you feel or create a barrier between you and enjoying the present. Yes, there is value in setting goals, but there's even more to gain from letting them go in order to focus on the journey. That doesn't make you any less productive, and it shouldn't stand in the way of your accomplishments. It's important to remember that every single step on the path toward achieving your goals is something to be proud of. It can be so easy to lose sight of that especially with the weight of a busy week looming large in front of you. But at the heart of a non-striving approach is a simple concept, trying less yet being more. And you can do this by just showing up for yourself, embracing this exact moment, giving up a certain amount of control and witnessing change naturally unfold all around you while still being an active participant in your own progress. So, any sense of pressure or the specter of failure will immediately melt away as you discover a brand new sense of agency on your journey. So with that in mind, use this time to adopt a comfortable dignified posture of awareness. Breathing in through the nose, and out through the mouth. And with your next exhalation, if it feels comfortable for you, allowing your eyes to gently close. Feeling your body relaxing and settling down. And as you're continuing to follow your breath, and bringing awareness to your thoughts coming and going, also acknowledging that feeling of being grounded in this moment. Reconnecting with that sense of calm and clarity of the mind that is often clouded by mental chatter. And also noticing how the body feels. The rising and falling sensation of the breath. Knowing that in the face of uncertainty you can always return to the breath. And now bringing the attention back to the body. Back to that point of contact of where you are right now. And when you're ready, if they were closed, just gently opening the eyes...