I talk a lot about taking time for mindfulness, especially as a mental healthcare worker, but haven’t really experienced it for myself until this quarantine and it’s seriously working miracles.

I listened to a podcast today talking about how so many of us lack “congruence” between our body and mind. How we gaps between our bodily experiences (e.g. tension, fatigue, increased heart rate, headaches) and our verbal communication (e.g., anger, sadness, anxiety, etc)

Mindfulness intentionally says, “We’re going to feel things and we’re not going to run away. It’s scary, but your body has emotions you haven’t even been able name yet, much less experience.”

And taking the time to be brave and be still with my own thoughts, my terrifying thoughts, and welcoming them, welcoming my fears, in a non-judgement am way, in safe places, has been transformative.

I still get anxious, but now I know when I am so quickly. I’m still scared and worried, but now I can recognize it. I still get tense, but I can sense it immediately. I still get caught up in my mind, but I don’t let it take me hostage anymore.

The sooner I realize my negative emotions and feelings, the sooner I honor them, and the sooner they leave. I remain present so much more than I’ve ever been and it feels so good.