Mindfulness in Crisis
By Miranda Swan
I used to be obsessed with Alice in Wonderland (okay, maybe I still am). Any rendition of the story, whether the Disney version, original book, or re-imaginations of the tale, I felt so connected to this character. She uses escapism to fill a void in her life, only to realise that’s not how reality is.
“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be as, because everything would be as it isn’t. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?”
This quote led me to have a belief of ‘avoidance is best’. For most of my adult life, as new as it is, it’s been really difficult. From 15-22, I have dealt with an eating disorder (in all forms ((EDNOS)) and addition in some forms with alcohol. I wish I knew more about my family history before and during my experiences, but at least I know now. At the same time however, I did use these mediums to escape. This doesn’t really solve anyone’s problems though, does it? Therefore, what can I do?
The brief solution, even for a temporary time, is “mindfulness”. This is a concept that is different for everyone and how to practice it will also differ. If you want to be textbook about it, mindfulness is about being present in the moment but… I think it extends further.
Mindfulness is having all your thoughts gather into a white light. In year 9 physics, we learn that white light reflected through a glass prism creates a rainbow. It’s the same as after rain, a rainbow shines as the water, sunlight, and the atmosphere combines to create that arch that may or may not have a pot of gold at the end. Mindfulness is like that. It is a combination of factors that create a sense of unity between emotions, time, and breath. Think of it like the gold at the end of a rainbow. Everything ties together with sections of light and love...
Alice, in numerous renditions of her character, never could master mindfulness. She was too caught up in the solution to her problems to realise she needed to just breathe. Recently I have felt like Alice. I haven’t listened to my needs for being mindful, I have just been reacting to emotions I could not control. This climate in the world has been so damaging to my mental health, and it’s time to start listening to what I need, for me.
So, how can I reconnect with being mindful and practice what I know about mindfulness?
I was introduced to basic mindfulness practices a few years ago as a way to reflect on the way I was acting and behaving certain ways. In relation to my negative associations around food, holding a handful of ice and focusing on the frozen cold blocks and how they melted around my fingertips acted as though someone was “snapping me out” of my thoughts; just like a cold shower, I suppose. The physical sensation allowed me to think about something other than negative associations and gave me the opportunity to move on.
Colouring, as funny as it sounds, is another mindfulness activity I love to do. You don’t have to pay for fancy adult colouring books, as it’s just a google search away! Mandalas and nature images are my favourite at the moment. It does help to have some nice colouring materials to use as for me I like the feeling of a good felt-tip pen or marker.
Of course yoga is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. I personally like to watch and listen to an instructor (whether that is via Ellen’s practices or Youtubers who do something similar) as I like to get the poses correct as well as listen to the words that are spoken. With stretch yoga, I follow a routine that I have been doing for a while, and just listen to calming music. I find with yoga, I need to have the right attitude going into a session. I can’t just instantly tune in and relax if I am really agitated or “in a mood.’
Lastly, cooking has become something I am intrigued in, but not at all great at. I am the perfect sous-chef in the kitchen, and cutting up the veggies, meat, or measuring ingredients is relaxing enough as I do not have to deal with potentially burning my meal. I find listening to the sound of something on the stove to be so sensational, so I will stick in my lane as sous-chef for the time being!
These are just some things that I find useful, but of course I bring the ball back to you… what do you find to help you be present, to be mindful?