When stuck in turbulent times,
It is natural to want to swoop in and fix things.
To allow a situation to return to a perceived normal,
Or to even improve.
It is important to reflect on tendencies,
To want to jump in and take over a problem,
Or take on the role as fixer.
The more we do this,
Others come to rely on us as problem solvers,
And often have their monkeys jump on our back.
This can happen often if we think we have a skill that can take care of an issue faster,
We want something done our own way,
Or we feel we are the only ones that can do it right.
These illusions often put us in the face of drama,
Add to an already demanding to do list,
And we are unable to see situations beyond our own immediate perceptions.
Take a moment to settle in,
Close your eyes if comfortable,
And connect with your breath.
Watch it as it comes in your nose and travels through your body.
Pause the breath at the bottom of the inhalation and notice it resting inside of you.
Slowly release the breath watching as it flows from the belly back out the nose and then pause again,
Watching the last bits of air leave the body.
Continue to watch the breath as you consider any patterns you have around attracting turbulence.
Visualize a problem you are involved with right now.
Take in the situation.
How did you get involved with it?
Notice your own tendencies here.
Be honest and see what bubbles up for you.
Let the responses flow and see what is really hanging around.
Just ask,
What is the most likely outcome if I continue to be involved?
Are there perspectives I am not considering because I am too much in the weeds?
What could happen if I step back and just observe?
Who or what do I want to take care of this issue?
Release the issue.
Release the thoughts.
Let's encourage these tendencies to witness and observe before we jump in to try to fix.
We'll use the mantra,
So hum.
So hum the sound of the breath.
So hum I am.
Say it out loud with me.
So hum.
Whisper it to yourself.
So hum.
And continue to silently repeat the mantra weaving it with your breath.
Now the mantra may change.
It may become jumbled,
Faster,
Slower,
Louder or fainter.
However it changes,
Don't resist.
Return to witnessing the mantra with the breath.
So hum.
It will be natural for the mind to drift to other thoughts,
Sounds or physical sensations.
Allow yourself to practice effortlessly and with ease,
In silence for a few minutes.
So hum.
I can be an observer without fixing everything.
So hum.
I can take in new perspectives.
So hum.
I release other people's monkeys.
With your eyes still closed release this mantra and take in the feelings of observing and releasing.
Come back to this meditation anytime you feel the addictive qualities of taking on more,
Especially what others are capable of handling.
This is Amy J.
With MindGen Meditations.
