Mental Floss

If we know that something is good for us, why don’t we just do it? We know that we should eat lots of fruits and vegetables, that we should move our bodies regularly and drink water, that we should meditate and try to be mindful, and of course, get lots of rest. It would seem that knowing would equate to doing. However, it rarely goes that way. The tendency is to ebb and flow, where we embark for a period of time down a road of good health, or changing detrimental behaviors, and then like a rubber band we snap back and cannot seem to figure out how we ended up back in the same place again.

I propose mental flossing. That’s right, pick up the floss, and let’s see if we can get rid of the mental plaque that has built up and is keeping us stuck. We all know that we are supposed to floss our teeth; ah yes, another thing we know we are supposed to do! Mental floss is different, mental flossing is the work of attentive breathing and mindful awareness. It is through these techniques that we create the friction, (just like floss between tight teeth), and remove the plaque of negative beliefs, old patterns of resistance, and gain precious insight and wisdom into turning what we know into what we DO.

Start with this simple exercise: practice taking 3 deep breaths before engaging in an activity that is usually mindless. Each time you inhale ask yourself, “How do I want to show up?” and each time you exhale, respond, “I choose presence, right here and right now.” The stopping is the way to get rid of old habits (plaque) that are keeping you stuck. This is the friction (mental floss); the resistance to thoughts that push our behavior away from what we know into the mindlessness of what we often do. Whatever and wherever you choose, integrate the practice. From this awareness you can start to make conscious choices that are aligned with what you know will guide you to your best health and to thriving in mind, body, and spirit.

Remember that repression is never a good idea, and willpower is finite! However, breathing and awareness are simple ways to integrate more mindfulness and presence into each and every moment of every day. Anytime you choose, you can break out the mental floss and find more clarity and inner wisdom. Here’s to flossing!