today, the idea and practice of „mindfulness“ has taken on near magical hocus pocus dimensions. We think that mindfulness is some sort of thing we can do, to reduce stress, find life's meaning, or some other such thing. And we meditate trying to find some release from these things. The truth? We are always mindful of something. Regardless of our state. Even when we are asleep our minds are looking at something.

We tend to think, that only thoughts with words are thoughts. So we try and use apps that "guide" us through mindful meditations to "arrive" in the present moment. These things overlook the point. No "arrival" is required. No "guide" or journey is required. We are already there. As a matter of fact, no other moment exists for us. We remember the past, we can plan for the future, and we can think of things that are not here presently, but, in fact, none of those things exist in our present state.

Our culture likes to take things even further than listening to voices that are not there, and give us some sort of "ideal" or "should be" to live up to. Things should be this way or that way. I need to create a better version of myself. All illusions. We latch onto them, because we have an inflated view of our own importance. Our schools tell us how "special" we are, our parents, teachers, and society offers us the proverbial carrot to follow so that we can become some type of hero. The problem? The reward only comes after we die or become some sort of living dead. The deeds we do to get this reward are nearly always something that doesn't come from inside us but was planted there by a well-meaning society. This society is a construct of our minds, but doesn't actually physically exist. We think it is protection against the dangers of nature, but if we are honest, the most dangerous place to be is in a crowd of humans. Both from the violence they could potentially inflict and even the diseases we give each other.

If we could deconstruct the idea of our own specialness and exceptional place in the world, we would find it easier to let go of things that are not actually here, and allow the moment we are actually living to be what it is. Then, we might actually feel our own inner impulses and learn to trust that they are not evil.

Try this: while walking or sitting, just observe. Allow things to be what they are, don't name the things you see, just look at them. Hear the sounds around you, but just hear them, don't name the sounds or the things making the sounds. Feel the clothing on your skin, the air moving around you. Smell the things in the air, see if you can taste the things that are left over in your mouth. The key: don't ask what it is, just perceive. At some point the “inner voices” will slow down or at least become quieter. At this point you can begin to feel different parts of your body. If you are sitting still this will be easier. Move your attention to different parts starting wherever you feel like. Again, don't try to identify the what, just feel. If something causes distress follow it. It might tell you something. Let it show, if there are pictures, sounds, voices, feelings that come to mind, maybe they are things you have not dealt with from your past.

This obviously, is not medical advice. If you feel severe pain or some other strong symptoms, you may need medical help. Don't hesitate to seek out such help if need be.

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