Mental.

We’re all taught math, (some of us to a lesser degree than others) spelling, and the importance of our physical health in school, but the focus of our mental wellbeing doesn’t seem to be something we focus on until it has become an issue.

Coming up, there was no class on how to interact with, let alone maintain, our minds. And often, this is one of the hardest battles we face at one time, another or throughout our whole lives. Maybe today it is brought up a bit more in health class than it was previously, but a bit seems hardly fitting for such a major part in our lives. Maybe, it is just up to us parents to teach them about it as best we can, from what we learn. Maybe everyone is just supposed to figure it all out as we roll. But you don’t just stick someone in a kitchen with a sharp knife and a hot stove and expect them to figure out how survive. I just think that we could all benefit from more openness about life. Learning the necessity of meeting a deadline and showing up on time, are valuable in this world. But Figuring out who we are as individuals and getting to know ourselves is the lifelong work that really matters at the end of the day. But since this isn’t just a course where poof you know the formula, the focus needs to be on it even more I believe. Carve some time this weekend out for your mind, for your soul, for yourself. We are ever changing and there is always something new to discover about ourselves. Getting to know yourself I believe is one of the first steps in mental maintenance, as what you don’t know – you can’t fix. One thing we can all agree with is that we’ve felt the issues that come. Whether it be a mental disorder like bi-polar, or anxiety over a pressing problem – none of us get to fully escape our minds and we wouldn’t want to. If you’re the kind who plans nights of the week for the gym make sure you match that value you hold on your body with the value of your mind.

If you’re looking for a starter place, I would suggest meditation. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. As thoughts enter your mind, acknowledge them: Cats, dinner, kid’s project due next Monday, whatever they are. Acknowledge them, and then let them go and come back to focusing on your breathing. This act is like bench-pressing for your mind – suddenly you have awareness and control over what you’re thinking. And that, is one powerful thing. If you don’t have time for meditation or find it intimidating – first of all I suggest you re-think, but there is another thing to try: During the day when you experience thoughts that are: upsetting, make you feel jealous, angry worried. Stop and instead of going deeper down the rabbit hole: acknowledge the thought – don’t feed it or try to push it away – identify it and ask yourself what is the root of this. You might just be surprised about what answers you get. And again, now you have the control.

I hope this has been helpful and thank you for taking the time to read all about it.