Spirited Essence Works

As we strive to practice mindfulness, there are many obstacles that can arise and hinder our progress. These obstacles can range from sleepiness to doubt and everything in between. We will explore some of the common obstacles to mindfulness and provide tips on how to overcome them. We will present these obstacles in no particular order, as they are all important to focus on.

1. Sleepiness: It’s common to feel sleepy or drowsy when we attempt to practice mindfulness, especially if we are already tired or have had a long day. To overcome this obstacle, it can be helpful to take a break, stretch, go for a short walk or even take a nap. These activities can help to energize your body and improve your focus when you return to your practice.
2. Restlessness: Restlessness is a feeling of wanting to be somewhere else or do something different. It can be challenging to stay present when we are feeling restless. To overcome restlessness, it’s essential to remind ourselves of the purpose of our practice and focus on cultivating curiosity and wonder about the present moment.
3. Doubt: Doubt is a common obstacle to mindfulness that can arise when we question our ability to practice or make progress. To overcome doubt, we can remind ourselves that mindfulness is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. It’s important to approach our practice with openness, curiosity and without judgment.
4. Aversion: Aversion is the feeling of wanting to push something away or avoid it altogether. It’s the opposite of desire, and it can be challenging to stay present when we are feeling aversion. To overcome aversion, it’s helpful to approach the feeling with curiosity and non-judgment. Observing the feeling and allowing it to be there without reacting to it can help to develop acceptance and resilience.
5. Desire: Desire is the craving for something that we don’t have or the desire to hold onto something that we do have. It can be challenging to be present and aware of what’s happening in the moment when we are caught up in desire. To overcome desire, we can acknowledge it without judgment and redirect our attention to our breath or to the present moment. Cultivating a sense of contentment with what we have can help to prevent us from always looking for something else.

In conclusion, practicing mindfulness can be challenging, but by identifying and overcoming these obstacles, we can improve our ability to stay present and aware in the moment. It’s essential to approach our practice with curiosity, openness and without judgment. By doing so, we can develop greater clarity, calmness, and insight into our own minds.

Namaste!