One way to better understand what being present is, is to become familiar with what it is not. Thus, in order to live a more present and fulfilling life, we must first analyze what deters our psyche from functioning in a state of mindfulness 100% of the time.
Mindfulness is defined as a “mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment” which requires intention and practice.
The mind consists of two main parts: the conscious and the subconscious.
The conscious part of the mind makes up only about 10% of the mind whereas the subconscious makes up the other 90%. This is extremely important to take note of due to what can and cannot take place consciously.
The conscious mind is responsible for thinking, analyzing, planning and short-term memory. This is the only part of our mind that we have “control” over in the sense that we can choose to redirect anxious thoughts and engage in activities that will help ground us. Although thinking takes place in this part of the mind, our thoughts are heavily influenced by our subconscious.
The subconscious consists of: long-term memory, emotions and feelings, habits and behaviors, creativity and imagination, intuition and beliefs, involuntary bodily functions and the autonomic nervous system. Apart from keeping us alive by keeping our heart beating, blood circulating and lungs breathing, this part of our mind keeps score on everything we’ve ever experienced. The emotions and feelings associated with these experiences, whether positive or negative, directly affect our habits and behaviors. The habits, behaviors and intuitive beliefs developed during childhood impacts our psychophysiological responses for the rest of our lives. Simply put, this lays the foundation of who we are and why we respond the way we do.
Most of the time NOT being present is the way we cope with stressors aka “triggers” as a result of past trauma.
Everyone experiences some form of trauma throughout their lifetime. Trauma can be categorized into three different levels based on frequency and severity:
Acute: A single stressful or dangerous event.
Ex: Loss of a loved one, illness/injury, being a victim or witness of violence
Chronic: Repeated or prolonged exposure to highly stressful events.
Ex: Bullying, domestic violence
Complex: Repeated exposure to events causing severe distress or fear.
Ex: emotional, verbal and physical abuse, abandonment/neglect
This list is a general overview of the unfortunate circumstances many people face over the course of their lives. Processing and healing from trauma requires us to address the uncomfortable emotions, feelings, and memories associated with these events so overtime we can unlearn certain behaviors and responses that may serve as detriments to our mental/physical health.
Thankfully, there are things we can implement to become more present overall.
Peace and BEE Present!!
Comments