Entering 2020 I was at a very low point mentally. I had recently experienced three losses, I was still struggling with postpartum depression, and major anxiety that was taking over. Then to top it all off three months in Covid-19 lockdowns began. Looking back on my journals from this time last year reminds me just how dark everything really got for me. I was feeling trapped by my brain as well as being trapped inside my home. It was then that I realized I was the only one who was going to be able to pull myself out of the darkness I was drowning in. So, I looked within, and I remembered the one time I gave therapy a chance. The therapist had suggested mindful meditation. Naturally, my hardheaded self-brushed it off as non-sense. Only to come to the realization that I could not do so without giving it a try.

I then went into research mode (as I usually do) and found a few books, websites, and YouTube channels. I will not lie to you, I felt silly as hell at first, but what I was reading made complete sense. Our brains ARE reprogrammable to an extent. It just requires you to take the time to do the work that is needed. Luckily for me, mindful meditation can be done in spurts throughout the day with very little effort needed. In simplest terms it is just the practice of noticing your brain is on track to be out of sorts and bringing your focus back to your breath and the present moment. This simple act alone will bring you a much-needed clarity while rewiring and strengthening your brain power. I will not sit here and tell you I am completely cured from every dark thought that is on replay in my mind, but I can tell you I feel the difference that has been made. I feel hopeful in a way that I have not felt in a very long time. I have a new sense of self that was missing before. I have become aware of my limitations and I am perfecting my strengths.

While researching mindful meditation I also came across the practice of positive affirmations. Speaking kindly to yourself, religiously, IS the key to success. I can not express this enough; you are what you think! Simply saying a routine of kind words to yourself daily has a powerful effect on your brain and mindset. I saw a great meme the other day that said, “Talk to yourself the way you talk to your house plants and watch yourself flourish.” This is the perfect metaphor for the results of positive affirmations.

If you are feeling any type of mental distress, I highly recommend taking a leap of faith and giving mindful meditation paired with positive affirmations a try. It is important to remember practice makes perfect. This is not an over night solution to your problems. This is a solution that takes dedication and openness to a completely different outlook on life. I can say, that if you put the work in your life will improve with time and you will find your much needed center balance.  

Books and YouTube channels that have helped me on my mindful journey:

“Raising Good Humans” by Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE

“A Walk in the Wood Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh” by Dr. Joseph Parent and Nancy Parent

YouTube Channel: The Mindful Movement

YouTube Channel: Jason Stephenson – Sleep Meditation Music