The Practice is Also in the Mood

I used to think that meditation practice as something I do when I sit quietly, close my eyes, and observe the mind. But I realized that some of the most important practice happens when I am not sitting cross-legged. It happens when I notice my mood on a moment by moment basis.

When I feel discouraged, restless, irritated, bored, disappointed, or pulled into a downward spiral of thoughts, I have a choice. I can believe every thought that arises and follow it endlessly, or I can simply notice: "This is what the mind is doing right now."

No judgment. No drama. Just seeing. This, too, is practice.

I may notice that certain choices repeatedly leave me feeling heavy. I may eat something that I already know does not make me feel well, or spend money impulsively, or allow one negative thought to become ten more.

In those moments, mindfulness gives me a small space between the impulse and the action. And within that space is choice.

A difficult mood does not need to become a difficult day. A thought does not need to become a story. An emotion does not need to become an identity. I can observe what has arisen, understand that it is here now, and gently choose not to feed it.

Walking can be meditation. Eating can be practice. Spending can be practice. Speaking can be practice. Working can be practice. And even being in a bad mood can be practice.

Every moment gives me another choice. This is empowering.