MINDFULNESS

Most of us go about our day in a mental durp-state - in autopilot, like a nodding dog, unconscious of what we’re feeling, why we’re feeling it, or what we’re doing.

Mindfulness is taking a step back from this unconscious process and getting present to the moment.

Feeling feelings as they come into the body, and observing thoughts as they come into the mind.

Not judging them or trying to change them necessarily, just observing them and being mindful of their presence.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT

In the ocean, just like everywhere else, we’re often trapped in our minds, beholden to the ever chitter-chattering thoughts, and emotional responses that arise..

Mindfulness helps you to take a step back, observe the whole process and detach.

It doesn’t eliminate the fear or stress; instead, by becoming aware of any unpleasant thoughts and emotions that arise we have more choice in how to handle them in the moment - giving you a better chance of reacting calmly and logically.

Of course, practicing mindfulness does not mean you’re not going to get scared, rather it allows you to be more thoughtful in how you want to respond.

This helps us in the water to detach from our default responses, and stay calm.

PRACTICING MINDFULNESS

It’s pretty easy really, it’s just you taking a step back and becoming the observer of what's going on in your body.

Easy in theory, difficult in practice.

Why is this?

Well, give it a go and you’ll soon see how prevalent, pervasive, and all encompassing your mind is.

Thought after thought after thought.

It’s pretty wild when you see the mind in action like this.

Stepping outside of it isn’t easy, in fact buddhist monks dedicate their whole lives to the process, meditating for hours on end to escape the mind, so don’t be too harsh on yourself.

Give it a go and see how you get on.

WRAPPING IT UP

Practicing mindfulness is epic, and will help you in far more ways than just in the surf.

Try it out for yourself; when you’re washing up, doing your teeth, cooking, whenever you can.

The more you can step outside of the mind and focus on the moment, the happier you’ll be.

MINDFULLNESS

YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN TO ACCESS THIS COURSE

MODULE 1: UNDERSTANDING FEAR

CHAPTER 1: UNPACKING THE FEAR

CHAPTER 2: MANAGING TRAUMA

MODULE 2: PACIFYING THE FEAR

CHAPTER 1: MASTERING YOUR MIND

CHAPTER 2: BREATHE

BONUS: TRADIES TOOL BOX

MODULE 3: PRACTICAL

CHAPTER 1: EFFICIENCY

CHAPTER 2: FRONT LOADING

CHAPTER 3: THE PILOTS ROUTINE

CONCLUSION