Getting To Know The Chaos Within

I recently came across a post by Devin Linder about meditation that I immediately wished I could share with so many people that I’ve spoken to about mindfulness. When I started attempting a practice, I, like so many others, had inaccurate beliefs about meditation, such as aspiring to a clear mind or always expecting peace or that I should just follow my mind wherever it wants to go. Likely, with the best intentions, some may make mindfulness sound unattainable, overly precious, or esoteric. It is difficult to describe with words an activity that must be experienced. It’s like trying to describe music or how something tastes – some wordsmiths can capture aspects of these things –  but at some point you just need to hear and feel the vibrations of a song or bite into the food.

Devin’s post, “6 years of meditation in 60 seconds,” was comforting because he speaks plainly and authentically, with humor, about the experience of meditation over time, debunking many myths about it and describing the challenges and richness of being with yourself. While the video is only one minute, it comes from SIX YEARS of experience. I say this to try to convey that meditating once for 10 minutes will be a different experience than having practiced redirecting your focus over some significant amount of time. Practicing noticing a single breath on a daily basis can help you attune to yourself and is a great way to start practicing mindfulness. Practicing for longer amounts of time has benefits, but it’s always best to start something new in a way that feels very approachable, and very doable. I hope sharing this will inspire you to practice. Below, I’ll share Devin’s post and a transcription of what he says. And as with anything I offer, if it speaks to you then great, and if not, that’s ok too.

“Let’s fucking do this.

Number 1: At first, I thought meditation was about peace then I realized it’s actually about surviving the chaos without punching somebody.

Number 2: Your mind doesn’t go freakin’ quiet. It gets loud. Every thought you avoided pulls up like "you fucking missed me bro?”

Number 3: You don’t need incense, a waterfall, or a monk named Chad, just sit your restless ass down and breath.

Number 4: Meditation won’t fix your problems but it will stop you from making them freakin’ worse.

Number 5: The real work isn’t sitting still, it’s sitting with yourself. That’s where the war is.

Number 6: One deep breath has saved me from arguments, bad texts, and at least 3 unnecessary spiritual awakenings.

And last but not least: Peace isn’t found, it’s chosen, every single fucking morning. It saves you 87 fucking meltdowns, 42 rage texts, and one trip to Bali you couldn’t afford anyway.

Cash App or Paypal me 5 bucks.”

@Linderlifefitnesss

@humandevo

These are his words and his work and, to me, they were worth 5 bucks and sharing his post. Thank you for sharing this wisdom, Devin!

If you are interested in beginning to practice mindfulness, start noticing one breath every day, just as it is. You can notice its temperature, its depth, length, quality, taste, or anything else about it. During one inhale and one exhale, you can notice where and how your body moves, and any other details that catch your attention. Notice and describe your breath and your body to yourself. Your breath is likely different in some capacity each day. In this simple practice, you give yourself attention and get to know your body. If you become interested in meditation there are numerous apps available that offer guided meditations, like Headspace, and Calm. Click here for a free 30 day pass to Headspace.