Meditation is truly a non-doing, which goes against our social norms and can be challenging for those beginning. The practice takes shape in so many ways from sitting in self-reflection to listening to guided meditations and so many more. If one style does not work for you, explore others. Note that meditation is just the blend of relaxation, breath awareness, welcoming presence, and focused attention. You can apply these traits to so many things including movement practices, journaling, and more. Whether practicing meditation or just optimizing your life- below are four ways to overcoming overthinking.

1. Witness your narratives. This is the process of detaching yourself from the emotion and experience and then shifting into watching it, exploring it. Once we sit and witness (you can also do this through journaling- writing out the stories and feelings), then we begin to make inquiries. Where did I first learn this belief? Where do I feel it in my body? Why do I feel what I feel? Give permission to not know the answer AND to not just decide on the thoughts or experience. It’s about SEEING it, and naturally, it begins to free it.
2. Get up and MOVE. Stretch your arms to the sky, stand up, and dance. Move your body. Maybe go to the gym or go on a run or cozy on the floor and enjoy some yoga practice. Use your body, use your hands. Shift from head sense to felt sense. This creates space in the mind and grounds your energy to feel clear and confident.
3. Turn on a podcast or some music- explore podcasts or YouTube TVs to discover something inspiring that teaches, guides, and opens your mind in many ways. It’s about creating new thought patterns to disrupt negative ones. Even turning music that feels good- dance, sing, relax and listen or just totally vibe out. Shift your energy- shift your mind.
4. Give yourself grace. Thank your mind for the courage, protection, and insight to guide you. Mother yourself and be kind and sweet. This could look like going and taking a shower to cry, laugh, and release. It could be the invitation to prayer and meditation. Maybe even snuggling up and watching your favorite show. How can you show yourself grace? 

The more we attend to our mind and become aware of the patterns that inform being- the better we can optimize these thought currents to elevate our being.

Stay cozy my friends for more on mindfulness @melmarieyoga