Hi friends!
We’re continuing to dive into the world of meditation and mindfulness by considering the practice of reframing.
In the world of YouTube, we’re starting a new series of “Meditation Shorts” — quick, 3-5 minute videos answering some common questions about meditation.
The first one is up now: “Why Should I Meditate?”
Let us know what you think!
Reframing
Over 2,000 years ago, the Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus said,
“We are not disturbed by what happens to us, but by our thoughts about what happens to us.”
Born a slave, and later crippled, he lived a life that was no stranger to suffering. Even so, he had a remarkable ability to reframe his perspective.
Fast-forward to today and you will see the ideas of Epictetus alive in modern psychology, especially in the field of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), whose founder Albert Ellis was deeply influenced by Stoic thinking.
One practice we can borrow from this lineage is Reframing, which is about making a deliberate shift in our point of view about a given situation.
For example, we might take a "problem" in our lives, such as a difficult manager at work, and view it instead as a "challenge" that encourages us to learn and adapt from it.
How can you get started with reframing?
In my experience, the first step is to notice the thoughts you're having.
This is one area where meditation excels as a tool. As you sit in silence and observe your thoughts, you get a front-row seat to the mind’s story-making.
Slowly, over time, we can learn to see our thoughts and emotions in a more objective way, and begin the work of questioning assumptions and reframing situations.
Reframing is a powerful skill that can bring about greater mental resilience.
It’s not about ignoring or avoiding negative events. It's about developing the flexibility of mind to challenge your own thinking and embrace different perspectives.
As Epictetus said, it’s often our thoughts about a situation rather than the situation itself that causes us so much grief.
What situation in your life might benefit from a fresh perspective?
Words of Wisdom
"If you don't like something, change it.
If you can't change it, change your attitude."
— Maya Angelou
New Video!
Why Should I Meditate? (Hint: it's not the answer you normally hear)