Imagine being way below the ocean’s surface, peering up (especially on a hot day like today!). The oceans’s surface could be still and serene, like this feature image. However, it could very well be choppy and wild– depending on all sorts of reasons. But from the depths of the ocean, you’re unaware and unaffected by the activity on the surface.

This visual can be likened to the power of our mind. Being at the bottom of an ocean is like being grounded in the hub of our mind. And what is happening at the surface is like our thoughts. Regardless of what is happening at the surface, from the depths of the ocean (just like from the hub of your mind), you’re unaware and unaffected by what is at the suface.

I didn’t come up with this! This is a creative integration and application from Dr. Dan Siegel’s Wheel of the Mind metaphor as well as Bonnie Badenoch’s mindfulness exercise.

---

We can absolutely intentionally create some distance from our thoughts through… the practice of being mindful. The above visualization exercise is totally an option. Though there are endless ways to practice being mindful. *

Being mindful is countercultural, and it can be hard to go against cultural norms. So all the more reason to keep trying and practicing– and to not lose heart when it is hard!!

If this exercise and encouragement works for you, amazing. If not, no worries–that just means we can be curious and on the lookout for other things that might help. 🙂 Let’s be creative, keep trying, keep encouraging, and keep working toward supporting our mental health.

Warmly,

Robyn

For More:

• I wrote a blog on mindfulness that gives several ideas and tips to start practicing.
• This blog also has a Mindfulness Resources section.