Very quickly after starting to spar in a boxing ring, I learnt, as all boxers do, that it’s safer to lean in rather than back off, especially against a stronger opponent.
Of course there is some danger but the opponents' blows are less powerful and I can more safely explore their openings.
The same works with persistent unwanted thoughts and feelings. If I skilfully lean into the difficult, whilst counter-intuitive, it will lose its charge and I can explore it better.
But how does one ‘skilfully lean-in' to thoughts and feelings? After all I can’t see them. Using well practiced and researched techniques such as in a mindfulness course is one way.
One of my mindfulness supervisors recently had a good example, with an ill person fearful of dying. Somehow the visceral feeling of fear dissolved, the thoughts subsequently quietened and she has began having quality time with her family.
Author: JD
Image by Lee Murry from Pixabay
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