Our brains are constantly receiving information from our senses, central nervous system - and all the other systems within our body, as well as our subconscious minds.
C-o-n-s-t-a-n-t-l-y - from the development of our foetal brain until we take our last breath, and even in our dreamspace.
It's no wonder then why, with busy lifestyles and 24/7 information at our fingers tips, that we can feel so tired during, and at the end of the day, feel like we need to book a retreat/break or, if unrecognised...we burn out.
At 25, I burnt out. I hit a pit of despair, couldn't see a way out, was lost, had no hope, was experiencing huge mood swings and felt like ending my life. All the emotional suppression, avoidance (thanks rave days!) and distracting myself from facing childhood trauma had caught up with me.
Knowing that this was not a great thing to be experiencing at an age where life (to me) should have felt exciting, I turned to a family member who recommended counselling. The GP agreed to refer me and also offered a range of medication to support. Having witnessed what medication had done to my father in my early years, I declined, with a determination that 'there must be another way to heal and get back on track'.
After a year of counselling, I decided to travel.... as far away as possible. Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia showed me many beautiful sights and experiences. The most profound being in Cambodia - the Angkor Wat temples. I was struck by these countries as to the smiley peaceful culture and investigated, Why? Buddhism and meditation was highly proliferic and when returning to the UK, I rolled my sleeves up, and sat with as many monks as I could find, often in complete silence for hours upon end transfixed by their stillness!

After a while of getting incredibly pissed off and frustrated, my soul urging me on, I started to notice some space in between my thoughts. Focusing on this space allowed me to observe the space getting longer. With further practise, I realised I could observe the thoughts and watch them come and go. This led me to know that I am not my thoughts...none of us are. Deeper practise saw me sitting for many long periods as my attention stayed with the peace and silence within my being as opposed to monkey mind distractions. I have been hooked ever since and sit for a while most days revelling in this delicious peace and tranquility.
However, it can be tricky to sit and there are many reasons (that the monkey mind will offer) as to why NOT to do it..
So..if you find yourself caught up with racing thoughts, nervousness in the body, reliving past conversations and thinking about the next thing you have to do..or even if you feel just to simply recharge, then the following recording is for you. It's a technique that can be done sitting down effectively and quickly which can sharpen your focus, and evoke a feeling of calm within you.
I hope you find it useful!
Much love, Joules x
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