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How to Meditate: Meditation 101 for Beginners
10 Science-Backed Benefits of Meditation
What is Meditation?
How to Meditate: Meditation 101 for Beginners
10 Science-Backed Benefits of Meditation
What is Meditation?
Benefits of Mindfulness: Mindful Living Can Change Your Life
Mindfulness 101: A Beginner's Guide
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Hi, and welcome to your Daily Mindfulness.
And today I'm going to explore the
difference between facts and stories,
and talk about why it's important
for us to see the difference.
So to begin with, let me give you
a few examples of the difference
between a fact and a story.
Fact, she was late.
Story, she was late because she's selfish
and she doesn't really care about me.
Okay.
Fact, I have $2 in my bank account.
Not for me.
I've got more than $2 in my bank account.
Story, I'm poor.
I only have $2 in my bank
account and I'll always struggle.
I never have enough.
Fact, it's raining.
Story, it's horrible weather.
What a dreadful day.
Fact, he didn't ask me on a second date.
Story, he doesn't like me.
No one ever does.
I'm unattractive and I'll
probably always be alone.
Okay.
So according to dictionary.com, facts
and stories are defined as follows: a
fact, something that actually exists
or existed, reality, truth; stories,
a narrative about the facts, which
can be either true or fictitious.
So, if you were speaking about the facts,
you would report only what happened
very objectively with nothing added.
A bit like a camera would have seen it.
The camera doesn't have an
opinion or an emotional reaction.
It just sees the scene.
Our stories about the facts though,
this is where it gets a little tricky,
they can be colored by our particular
beliefs, our opinions, our self images,
our judgments, our desires, and so on.
In our stories, we often make
interpretations and meanings out of
the facts and that can distort our
own ability to see things clearly.
In our stories, we often make
assumptions and come to conclusions
that are not accurate and can
often be really unhelpful.
Importantly, our stories have the
ability to create a lot of emotional
turmoil and suffering, and that's why
it's really important every now and
then to pause when we're anxious, when
we're stressed, when we're feeling
reactive or overwhelmed to see what
kind of stories we're telling ourselves.
Once we can see the stories, if
they're unhelpful, we can let them go.
How do we let them go?
We let a story go by simply seeing
that it's just a story and not a fact.
It's only when we buy into the
stories that they create suffering.
So for instance, so you just told
yourself the story that it's a
horrible day, it's horrible weather.
And you start to feel that emotional
reaction in your body, that
negativity and grumpiness coming in.
Then you can inquire and see, okay,
I'm telling myself a story that it's a
horrible day, but it's not the reality.
It's just a story.
And then you can let go and come
back to the fact of the moment.
And the fact of the moment in
that case is it's simply raining.
Now we're free to just enjoy the
sound of the rain and the coolness
of the air with no negativity.
So here's my invitation.
The next time you do feel yourself
feeling a bit reactive or negative
emotions are arising, just pause,
take a breath and check in to see
what story you're telling yourself.
And if it's unhelpful for you, just
try mentally noting to yourself, just
a story, and then bring your full
attention back to the present moment.
In that way you unhook from unhelpful
stories and find more calm, ease,
and clarity in everyday life.
And as always thank you for your
practice and your presence here with us.
And now let's settle in
for today's meditation.
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Vidyamala’s tips on catching anger as it’s happening or about to happen are great - clear, practical, and doable.
- Vicoir
The little talks before the meditations are priceless. It's like I've found my peeps. The topics, the quotes, the goals—it all makes so much sense to me, things I want to be thinking and learning about. Most importantly, the meditations are kindness-centered, which I love. It feels like a new way to approach meditation.
- Lauren
Incredible, easy to navigate app. I would highly recommend this app to anyone who wishes to reduce stress and anxiety or simply as an aid to improve overall mental health.
- Kirtus
I love how the app gives me pointers to new things to explore.
- Lydia
So calm and soothing. I love the new bundle with Kelly Boys, she’s brilliant!
- EJ
Better than Headspace. I've had the paid version of both apps, and I must say I enjoy this one better.
- Gina, Plus+ Member
Vidyamala’s tips on catching anger as it’s happening or about to happen are great - clear, practical, and doable.
- Vicoir
The little talks before the meditations are priceless. It's like I've found my peeps. The topics, the quotes, the goals—it all makes so much sense to me, things I want to be thinking and learning about. Most importantly, the meditations are kindness-centered, which I love. It feels like a new way to approach meditation.
- Lauren
Incredible, easy to navigate app. I would highly recommend this app to anyone who wishes to reduce stress and anxiety or simply as an aid to improve overall mental health.
- Kirtus
I love how the app gives me pointers to new things to explore.
- Lydia
So calm and soothing. I love the new bundle with Kelly Boys, she’s brilliant!
- EJ
Better than Headspace. I've had the paid version of both apps, and I must say I enjoy this one better.
- Gina, Plus+ Member
I am very new to meditation, and am so happy that my first introduction to it has been through this app
The first session was fantastic. I feel safe. And supported. Almost like having someone helping me through my difficult time. I’m very grateful for this app.
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Kelly Boys is hands down the best. Everytime I click on one of her guided meditations I get excited for the calmness that lies ahead.
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I am very new to meditation, and am so happy that my first introduction to it has been through this app
The first session was fantastic. I feel safe. And supported. Almost like having someone helping me through my difficult time. I’m very grateful for this app.
- Babi
You get a lot of useful tips for handling stress and anxiety in 'real life'.
- Joy
Highly recommend.
- Humanfrst
Kelly Boys is hands down the best. Everytime I click on one of her guided meditations I get excited for the calmness that lies ahead.
-
I am very new to meditation, and am so happy that my first introduction to it has been through this app
The first session was fantastic. I feel safe. And supported. Almost like having someone helping me through my difficult time. I’m very grateful for this app.
- Babi
You get a lot of useful tips for handling stress and anxiety in 'real life'.
- Joy
Highly recommend.
- Humanfrst
Kelly Boys is hands down the best. Everytime I click on one of her guided meditations I get excited for the calmness that lies ahead.
-
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