The Power of Choice

Imagine spending the morning on a nature trail, the clear air filling your lungs, the scent of melting snow and wet earth, the brisk movement of your body, the sunlight filtering through the trees. You hear a bird call - what kind of bird? you wonder - then, mid-thought, you hear the buzz of your phone. 

While imagining this scene, what did you notice in your experience? 

When I wrote this scene, I didn’t know where it was headed. As I imagined the trail, my shoulders softened, my breath deepened, my mind felt wide. Then the thought of the phone intruded and suddenly, I tensed. For a micro-moment, I held my breath. I felt anxious. 

It’s interesting to notice how we react to our environment - not only the environment around us, but the environment of our own minds. The simple thought of the phone was enough to spark anxiety.

In many ways, we don't choose our environment. It's given to us, whether we like it or not. We might wish to be in a different time or place, but we are here now. And how we first react to that environment - like my moment of anxiety when thinking of the phone - also arises of its own accord. 

So what can we do, other than find ourselves at the mercy of our environment? As we know from our mindfulness practice, sometimes, there’s nothing to do. Rather, we might notice and kindly hold space for our experience. Other times, an action might be called for. We have choices. 

For myself, I’ve been noticing where I choose to place attention. I've been reading a lot of news lately; as a result, my mind has been full of fears and theories and despairing thoughts, which arise throughout the day. This habit hasn't been very helpful - to me or anyone else. Yesterday, I made a choice: I wouldn't check the news. Although I noticed urges to check, it felt satisfying to redirect my attention elsewhere. I felt lighter and more capable. At one point, I picked up a memoir by a poet to read instead - a much more nourishing activity. When I decide to check the news again, I'll be in a more grounded headspace to receive it.

In our next Mindfulness & Creativity session, along with our mindfulness practice, we'll continue reflection around the power of choice. Join us if community practice would be a supportive choice for you right now!

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Hannah