Having discussed so far the engineering mechanism of the stress response, the causes for the stress, the mind game in the context of the stress and the understanding of those three universal power laws, it is time now to move on to the methods, techniques, and tools to lead a tension free life. With the practice of the following techniques, tension free life is not going to be a far-fetched reality. It is very much practical.
Free up space:
As stated in “this moment” chapter, stress cannot coexist when we live in this very moment. In this very moment, we are somehow connected within. To illustrate this phenomenon, let us assume that you are on holiday trip to a beach resort. You are at the resort and when you slide the curtain of your bedroom window, you get a nice view of the deep blue sea and the sun has just begun to rise. The reflection of the rays of the sun can be seen on the ocean surface. The orange colour of the sun & blue colour of the sea, the combination is so mesmerizing and you are in that moment. Now, at this very moment, there is absolutely no sign of stress. You are somehow connected with the display of external energy which in turn lead you a connection within. Influence of mind at this very moment is negligible.
As stated earlier, without any external support, living in THIS present moment is a challenge because of the influence of the mind. But, it is an art that can be developed. Mind when it is cluttered, it has the maximum outside movement. This is the time, the mind tends to swing from back and forth from the past to future and vice versa. The practice here is simply to free up space inside the mind. When there is a free space there is a way for the free flow of energy. How to create this free space? The answer is simple. Plainly, observe the mind willingly. One cannot control the mind. If one attempts to control the mind then the mind becomes violent. But, give the liberty for the mind to act in its own terms and just observe the wandering pattern. Observe the mind willingly but with one very important condition. Do not engage the mind while observing. This means, irrespective of the movement of the mind, we stay aside watching just only the movement of mind, our own thoughts without passing on judgments. Initially, when one directs his awareness, he will notice the chaotic movement of the mind from the past to future back and forth. But with the boundary condition, the mind does not know what to do after some time. This is the state we need very often. Over a period of time, one develops this distinctive skill to stay in the moment just on demand. It slowly then becomes his default state of existence.
Practice method:
Duration: 3minutes
1. Sit upright in a calm and quite place either on the floor or in a chair.
2. Relax the body consciously and let there not be any form of tension in the body.
3. Pay attention to the rise and fall of breath for a period of ten breath counts.
4. Simply, divert your attention to your mind. What is the thought that surfaces out of the mind? Observe the movement of the mind and importantly, stay non-judgemental. The moment one tends to engage with the mind, the system of mind goes haywire. Stay here in this mode for three minutes.
5. After three minutes, slowly come out this state.
This practice appears to be simple and even stupid. But, this has a profound impact in training the mind not to swing back and forth from the past to future. Swinging is due to the entertainment and voluntarily, in this practice, we force ourselves not to entrain with the mind. The above technique, when practiced for a consistent period of four weeks, changes the pattern of movement of mind. We slowly get the ability to live in the present moment.
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