Andy Puddicombe (2013) discussed several important points about remaining present and spending time doing nothing. For the next three days, spend time practicing Puddicombe’s techniques. After the three days, reflect on the following in a well-written and integrated blog post:
What is the expected value of spending 10 minutes doing nothing? What did you learn about yourself and your own stress through this exercise? Is this something you will continue and will you encourage others to practice these techniques? Why or Why not? How can remaining in the present reduce stress?
Image from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/photos/balance-stones-stack-110850/
In the TED video, Andy Puddicombe (2013), describes how he experienced a “in quite quick succession, really serious things which just flipped my life upside down” and as a result he turned to meditation to process what he had experienced and how he was feeling about it. He explains the value of meditation in his own life and for everyone who takes the time to do it. Through meditation, even just 10 minutes a day, a person is able to protect and provide rest for their mind (Puddicombe, 2013). When a body becomes weary, sometimes a person will sit down, or lie down, and pause to regain strength. But even while a body is resting, a mind might be fully engaged in working: watching television, social media, reading, thinking, worrying, etc. Puddicombe (2013) points out that letting a mind pause is important too. Taking 10 minutes a day to rest a mind makes it more healthy and less distracted, and people who meditate are happier, less worried, and healthier (Puddicombe, 2013). As I practiced Puddicombe’s advice and the techniques he recommended, I was able to bring my mind to a temporary place of silence and stillness. It felt like I was allowing my tired mind to take drink of cool water, like my mind was able to take a deep breath. It was refreshing.
In 2011, I reached a place like Puddicombe (2013) described as having “my life flipped upside down.” Prior to then (within a five year period) my father died, my 23-year career ended, and I experienced sexual assault. I didn’t want to face any of it, but like Puddicombe, I was “inundated with thoughts and inundated with difficult emotions that I didn’t know how to cope with” (Puddicombe, 2013). My mind was tired from trauma and I realized I needed to pause my life and allow myself recover. Similar to Puddicombe, I did not return to work and I took time alone to process it all. I spent about two years sorting things out and healing, and I utilized meditation (and prayer) while doing so. At that time, I didn’t know how to be in the present, even for a few minutes, because my thoughts were too focused on the hurts of my past or the fear of more hurts in the future. Meditation taught me to be in the moment and to understand how to process the pain and to realize that my past was not my future.
Whetten & Cameron (2016) explain that psychological resiliency is an important aspect of balancing life activities (p. 107). After a person has experienced trauma this resiliency aids in “bouncing back” and is similar to “post-traumatic growth” (Whetten & Cameron, 2016). The 10-minute meditation technique might be considered a temporary stress reduction technique, like muscle relaxation, deep breathing, imagery, fantasy, and rehearsal (Whetten & Cameron, 2016). I was very interested to learn about psychological resiliency in this module, as I believe that I developed it and experienced aspects of it following my traumatic experiences. From this module, I also learned why I have chosen certain paths and behaviors post-trauma, such as: meaningfulness in work, finding a calling, and a strong sense of gratitude (Whetten & Cameron, 2016).
I will definitely continue to pause my mind. The 10-minute approach is new to me, as I usually spend more time than that in prayer and meditation — because I have learned its value. Being still and processing all the information, emotions, and things I face each day, keeps me balanced and steady. As Puddicombe (2013) said, it’s preventative, “it’s seeing the thought clearly, witnessing it coming and going, emotions coming and going.” It has also helped me to stop worrying as much as I used to. Through meditation and training of my mind, I have learned how to shut off negative thoughts when they show up. I agree with Puddicombe (2013) that “mind-wandering” is a cause of unhappiness.
Puddicombe’s 10-minute approach is something that I will work into my daily routine. To me, the 10 minutes of being mindful and in the present are sort of “meditation snacks” for times when I’m not able to have an entire “meditation meal.” I do find that they provide brief refreshment. I have taught my son to meditate and to be in prayer when he needs to sort through things. Now that I know this 10-minute approach, I will share it with him. I also have some friends who struggle with anxiety and think this 10-minute approach might be helpful for them, as well. I think any amount of meditation or being in the present through mindfulness techniques is beneficial. Most people are overwhelmed and stressed and technology has increased the amount of information coming at us every day — all day. Being able to pause and not have the barrage of information or thoughts is really important for health and well-being, and it’s something we all need.
Cynde Puckett | MSLD 520 | Dr. Braziel | June 11, 2021 | Reflection Blog Assignment
References
Puddicombe, A. (2013, Jan. 11). All it takes is 10 mindful minutes |Andy Puddicombe [Video]. TED. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzR62JJCMBQ&t=11s
Whetten, D. A. & Cameron, K. S. (2016). Developing management skills, 9th ed. Boston, MA: Pearson.
Cynde Puckett-Valenti 