What’s the connection between The Muppets and mindfulness? Stick with me—this isn’t the setup for a joke.. (Could be a great one though.)
Remember Waldorf and Statler, the critics in the balcony? They’re a metaphor for our own minds: often negative, judging ourselves and others.
Evolutionarily, that makes perfect sense. Your brain – basically a radar scanning for danger – evolved in dangerous times.
Tigers could jump out of every bush. 🐅
In modern times this constant scanning causes anxiety and unhappiness.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁-𝘀𝗼-𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀?
You can’t completely silence those inner critics.
They’re hard-wired into your brain. (And small, short doses of self-criticism can be healthy.)
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀?
Meditation offers an escape.
It allows you to step out of the balcony and watch those grumpy guys go on and on from a distance.
Realizing you don’t have to listen to or reply to everything they say is such a relief. Most of it isn’t true anyway.
Two years ago I started a daily meditation practice. It gave me more peace of mind, positivity and focus. It reduced many of my worries.
Curious about meditation, and unsure where to begin? Try this:
▸ Set an alarm or ⏳for 5/10 mins.
▸ Sit comfortably, eyes closed.
▸ Focus on your breath.
▸ Thoughts will interrupt— you can’t stop them. Imagine Waldorf and Statler doing their usual thing.
▸ Label these thoughts as thoughts, without engaging with them. Like watching clouds drift by.
▸ Keep going back to your breath.
That’s it.
Regular practice increases the amount of grey matter in your brain, increasing cognitive function. 🧠 (Or in less fancy terms: makes you smarter.)
It also boosts mood, focus and productivity and lowers stress and anxiety. It really works.
Does this mean thinking is bad? Absolutely not. But use it as a tool, when you need it.
Ready to stop being puppeteered by your thoughts? Give meditation a go. 🙏🏻
Call 0800-MEDITATION for support. Or schedule a call with me.
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