Contemplation and action are both important when making mindful decisions. With meditation, we have the opportunity to contemplate the options and possibilities. When we are still and quiet, we are more able to hear our inner wisdom. The answer lies within. We just need to sit still long enough to listen.
Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear.
Lao Tzu
Often when the answer to a question or decision is not quite clear, our tendency may be to do nothing. Sometimes, when we pause and become still, we find the clarity of our inner wisdom. But what about those times when getting still seems to only exacerbate the anxiety or panic regarding the decision?
Some of us may not have easy access to a clear sense of inner self-awareness and wisdom that guides us in making even the simplest of decisions. Mindfulness is one of several ways that we can reconnect with this internal self-awareness.
In meditation, we might imagine making one choice and imagine the possible outcome(s), then notice how it feels in the body to consider making this choice. We might then imagine another choice and the possible results and notice how it feels in the body to consider this choice. We may notice the body softening and feeling at ease when imagining one choice and then tightening in response to considering another choice. This body awareness may inform our decision-making process.
Once choices have been made, then we can mindfully and intentionally decide what wise action is called for. We can decide as Amy Saltzman, MD says, “your next sane and joyful step.” With both contemplation and action, we can make wise decisions and move forward with smooth transitions. We can live intentionally and create a mindful life with a greater sense of peace, wellbeing, and resilience.
Warmly,
Jen