A really fascinating aspect I've come across through mindfulness practice is becoming aware of the degree I am caught up in my thoughts, feelings and actions in any given moment.
Sometimes I'm completely immersed, being pulled and tugged by scenarios, real or just in my mind - running on autopilot. Other times I feel detached, like I'm sitting back watching a movie. Being on autopilot is great when I'm playing football. And sitting back - metacognitive awareness in scientific terms - is great when I have to negotiate calmly.
All my life I hover somewhere along the scale. I've had no control though, because I wasn't even aware that it was happening. Now applying certain exercises I can have some influence. Often I choose to watch-the-movie-of-John. Sometimes it's "A Quiet Afternoon", or "The Mountain of Stress" or "The Rise of Johnny Blaze".
At times, far more than before, I can even change the script and then I feel like a kid in a candy store.
Author: JD