Week 39 - Naming What is Present

THE IMPORTANCE OF INTENTION 

Intention is the root of our motivation. The desire to 

practice mindfulness meditation must come from within; 

it's not something you can do because someone 

has told you to. 

People are often drawn to mindfulness at a time of change, perhaps an illness or momentous change in their home or work life that has shaken things up. Such events can make us aware that it is important to do something different.

It is important to understand why you are doing this, what brings you to the ''mat" each time. Your vision will probably align with the values that guide the way you live: the choices you make, the type of parent you are, the way you treat your colleagues, and so on.

Practising mindfulness regularly requires time, and it is likely that you will have to make time to fit it in. That will mean giving something up—perhaps an extra 10 minutes in bed or a television show. You can give something up only if you value what is taking its place.

It is also important to update this periodically by checking in with yourself and reconnecting with your commitment to practice. Throughout this book there are opportunities for you to do so, and, of course, it is something you can reflect on at any time.

As well as exploring the intention that underlies our practice, we can pay attention to the intention that underlies our actions. When we say something or behave in a particular way, what is our intention? Is it to undermine someone or score a point, or are we acting out of goodwill, generosity, and kindness? The same words spoken with either of those intentions will be received very differently.

Week 39 Activity

NAMING WHAT IS PRESENT

The unmentionable can be given greater power than it

deserves by becoming "that which must not be named,"

something hidden and secret that inspires fear.

Naming what is present for us is a common practice in meditation; by doing it we become familiar with a wide range of experiences and may notice connections between emotions, sensations, thoughts, and situations.

Stating that "anxiety is present" is acknowledging what is arising in our present moment. In this form it is also acknowledgment without over-identification. "I am anxious" suggests that it is a permanent state of affairs and part of who we are; "anxiety is present" has a transient quality, reminding us that it will pass in time.

We can practice naming when we sit and meditate. We do this with a very light touch—there's no need to search for the "perfect" word and it's important not to judge it or expect the feeling to disappear. Once it is named, we might also become aware of its physical manifestation in the body and any accompanying thoughts.