Hello and welcome.
If you're here,
The chances are.
.
.
You are experiencing burnout.
Or the symptoms of it.
Like being overworked,
Overburdened both physically and mentally.
And it's likely that this isn't the only problem.
Perhaps you also feel misunderstood too.
We live in a confusing time where burnout is almost seen as a badge of honour.
That working and pushing yourself beyond your limits is just how things are.
And please understand that this isn't how things should be for you or for anyone.
You don't deserve to feel that way,
And nor should anyone make you feel that way.
And I hope.
.
.
With this guided meditation,
I'll help you see a new perspective.
A new way of understanding and seeing burnout and the nature of it.
So whenever you're ready.
.
.
Let us begin.
By sitting or lying comfortably.
Whichever way works best for you and your body.
And there's no need to adopt a special state of mind here.
You're not trying to become calmer,
More peaceful or more relaxed.
Just being here is enough.
So let's begin by observing what is here.
Let's notice the body.
The points of contact.
The sensations inside the body.
And the sensations outside.
Over your skin.
Notice any areas of tension or tiredness.
Do not try to change anything.
Just subserve.
And if there is exhaustion,
Notice that.
If there is frustration about being exhausted,
Notice that too.
Often the difficulty.
Is not only the tiredness itself.
There is also the resistance to it.
Because when two things are in opposition to each other,
Like tiredness and the desire to not be tired.
This creates conflict within us.
And conflict,
As we know,
Leads to anger,
Frustration,
More pain.
More struggle.
Like the store.
I shouldn't feel this way.
I need to get back to normal.
I don't have time for this.
For a moment.
See how these thoughts create additional pressure within you.
And when it comes to burnout,
Let us put aside any explanation we may have of it.
The reasons for it,
The causes.
The circumstances.
And instead.
Look directly at your experience of it.
What is burnout to you?
Is it a sensation in the body?
A series of thoughts.
A feeling of being overwhelmed.
And uncertainty about the future.
Observe whatever it may be for you without seeing it as a problem to solve.
Just observe it.
The mind often functions through constant effort.
Problem solving feels like progress.
But problem solving can also feel like avoidance.
Of whatever may be happening.
Of reality.
And this constant psychological movement consumes our energy.
It leaves us tired.
On top of already being tired.
Frustrated?
On top of being exhausted.
And can you see this?
Can you notice this movement as it happens?
Even if it's a hundred times a day.
Because when we notice it as it's happening,
Something happens to it.
It becomes a little weaker.
It's pull isn't as strong.
Because we've given it attention.
Now notice the difference between practical action and psychological pressure.
There may be things that genuinely need to be done.
Responsibilities.
Tufts Decisions.
But is there an additional burden?
Created by thought.
The feeling that you must constantly prove yourself.
The fear of falling behind.
Comparison with others.
Can you observe this pressure you put on yourself?
Without adding more pressure on top of it.
Not trying to get rid of it.
Or trying to overcome it.
But seeing it clearly.
To see something simply means to be aware of it.
And take a moment to notice that awareness itself does not require any effort.
The body may be tired.
And the mind may be busy.
But the act of observing.
Of being aware,
There's not need to struggle.
And burnout often involves a mind that has been pushing for a long time.
Pushing towards a goal.
Pushing away discomfort,
Pushing away feelings of inadequacy.
Pushing towards an imagined future.
Where everything will finally be better.
Notice this movement within you.
Notice something wrong.
But as something to understand.
As something to learn about.
It is in awareness.
That we learned.
And ask yourself,
What happens?
When I stop fighting.
What I am experiencing.
What happens when I stop fighting?
What I am experiencing.
Not forever.
Just for this moment.
Allow the experience to be exactly what it is.
Whether it's tiredness,
Restlessness,
Thoughts,
Silence.
Whatever appears,
There is no need to judge it.
To resist it.
To wish it away.
Because remember,
Resistance creates conflict.
And perhaps the deepest form of rest.
Is not the absence of activity.
Perhaps it is the ending of unnecessary inner conflict.
The ending of resistance.
The ending of the constant demand for things to be different.
And as this meditation comes to an end,
Notice what is present now.
Not what should be present.
Not what you hoped would happen.
But simply what is.
And perhaps carry this question with you.
Throughout your day.
Can I meet what is happening?
Without adding another layer of struggle.
Can I meet?
What is happening?
Without adding another layer of struggle.
Thank you so much for taking the time to listen and to observe.
And until next time.
Stay present.
