Most people want to be great at being themselves. They don’t necessarily walk around saying it, but if you asked them, certainly the people I’m surrounded by most days wouldn’t say they want to be below average.
They want to be great at their work, recognised for their achievements, happy, active and balanced, an awesome parent, sufficiently wealthy ... the list continues.
It's funny I still call England home. My home is clearly in France. We've lived here for over 9 years!
Given, 80% of my clients are expats, I know this 'where is home' uncertainty feeling is very common and this can be very unsettling ...
... I don't always find mindfulness beneficial
But I teach this stuff, right? I do indeed, and I passionately believe it's good for you. I've read all the scientific research regarding the benefits and genuinely believe we need it in our busy lives. However, as my own mindfulness coach said today: "You could have a Phd in mindfulness, it doesn't mean you 'practice' it. The benefits are in doing it, often. Like brushing your teeth. You just know it's good for you. You don't necessarily LOVE doing it". (click to read more)
Essentially, we are hard-wired to escape from lions.
Our bodies and minds are often able to cope with the dramatic events in our lives: the house moves, the new baby, the new job etc.
Our bodies shoot rapidly into high alert and release hormones, namely adrenaline and cortisol - which short term is absolutely fine - then the lion disappears, our bodies settle down and we relax again.