You feel a burst of enthusiasm and motivation after a mindfulness session or when you first learn to practice mindfulness. Unfortunately, this motivation wanes over time as other things catch up. Maybe you had an unusually busy day at work or maybe your kids are screaming for attention.
Life can be demanding, and whenever your mindfulness practice gets derailed, you simply need to set an intention to begin again the next day.
To maintain your mindfulness practice, all you need is mindfulness!
Accept
Rather than ignoring or shying away from your irregular mindfulness practice, open fully to this fact. Accept that you are facing difficulty with motivation. Explore the physical sensations, mental thoughts and emotions that arise when you think or try to practice. This can turn your difficulties into your mindfulness practice, exploring hurdles and giving yourself space to respond.
Non-Judgement and Compassion
Mindfulness practice should not become something that gives you a hard time. To avoid judging your struggle with motivation, recognize that motivation levels may rise and fall. Realize that you are only human and not striving for perfection. Cut yourself some slack.
Beginner’s Mind
A beginner’s mind is essential for mindfulness, but it may need additional motivation to practice. Perhaps something is inhibiting your practice. Approach this with a beginner’s mind to rejuvenate your mindfulness practice.
Seek Support
Open up to what has changed or what is missing. Group support may play a key role in helping to maintain interest in the mindfulness practice. The structure, support and teaching offered in a group could make all the difference to your practice