Part 2 — What Worry Does While You’re In It

When the moments of grief or sorrow or fear finally arrives, the feelings show up in the manner that you probably expected. However, instead of finding the ironic relief it we would prefer, our minds continue to move. Except now, it begins to focus on the what the moment means rather than what may actually happen. More habitual tendencies cause us to start a process of analyzing, interpreting, and trying to understand the situation as we watch “it” advance.

The actual experience can be distanced from us individually. While the moment is occurring, our attention becomes splits separating what we are feeling and what are thinking about that feeling. Instead of taking moments to pause, our minds proceeds to make sense of it, albeit, way too quickly. And if mindful clarity is a goal, not letting the event mature may hinder the development of the experience.

If worry persists in this way, it may not depart when the moment arrives in the way that we would prefer. In fact, it begins to change its form. It now becomes a layer of thoughts that perches itself upon the top of experience impacting how we interpret it and our ability to move through it compassionately and with grace. Subsequently, it becomes difficult to stay present as our minds are programmed to move forward creating meaning before the time is right.

I wish I had the cure to making the thoughts stop or pause involuntarily, but unfortunately it does not work like that here either. However, it does find a kind of generosity that allows us to see that a difference exists between what is happening and what you are thinking is happening. This is a subtle distinction that creates space for a different kind of awareness to emerge.

Recognizing this does not mean the thoughts will stop. But it does allow you to see that there is a difference between what is happening and what you are thinking about what is happening. And that distinction, even when subtle, creates space. In this space, we are no longer completely pulled into every thought. Rather than following automatically, we begin to notice them as they surface. The moment, to whatever outcome is destined, is still unfolding, but at least now we are aware of it consciously. With that mindful awareness and clarity, a possibility for something different to happen next starts to take motion.

Stay Mindful…

Rebirth.