The Sit
Where do I begin to even try to describe the ridiculous number of times I have to reset and refocus during a 15-minute Sit. Sit still without moving for 15 minutes… no problem. I am exceptionally good at training my body.
My mind? Well, that is still a work in progress.
The first week, I enjoyed the Sit. I could let my mind wander; I found new ideas were abundant, both during the actual Sit and even throughout the day. It was great.
Then came week 2 where the task is to clear my mind and think about, well, nothing. So of course, as I sat, I thought about nothing and wondered if that meant I was really thinking about something.
I spent a lot of time in those circular thoughts in between thoughts about my daily schedule or my to-do list.
It became such an exercise of redirection. And perhaps that is part of the learning – while my mind may wander all over the place, I do have the ability and the great privilege to redirect it where I want it to go.
I’d love to report that after a week of constantly redirecting my thoughts during the Sit that I nailed it. Well, Week 3 led to more mind wandering.
Rather than be frustrated with my inability to control my thoughts, I decided to take a better, more productive approach: Recognize it and redirect the thoughts as instructed in the lesson. I get to choose how I feel about this process – engaged and stimulated or frustrated?
Be the Observer
I realize that the more I practice redirecting my mind where I want it, the easier it will get! And the easier it gets, the more often I will do it. And if you’re reading Og, you know that if I do it more often, it becomes a habit, and…
Since it is a good habit this is my will. (Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman, p. 57)
Today I begin a new life.
Oh the mind….. does what the mind does. It thinks! We won’t stop the thoughts from coming, but with practice (and I’m still practicing!) we hopefully don’t engage with those thoughts as much, as much as let them drift by, as leaves floating down the river or bubbles floating in the sky and popping.
And it is a good habit. Thanks for sharing and for the great reminders.
Oh boy! My thoughts exactly. What a great job narrating! I am running a little behind, but I do “SIT” which gets as interesting as you describe it. Great job sharing.
Yes Amy, the sit is an interesting way to get to know yourself.
Amy, I really admire how you show the power of the quiet “sit” as a strategic step in leadership and focus. Noticing when your mind wanders and taking the initiative to bring it back is a great accomplishment. Thank you for sharing.
Well done, Amy! Some days I find the Sit magical and other days, difficult. But making it a habit is worth it!