Finding Clarity in a Chaotic Day: A Mindful Approach
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Chapter 1: Facing a Rough Day
Today hasn’t been my best. I’ve been feeling a bit off. The culprit? It seems to be the second booster shot I received on Wednesday. Up until now, my previous Moderna doses and the first booster went smoothly with just a sore arm, but this time I opted for Pfizer. While my arm isn't particularly sore, I do feel a bit dizzy and unwell—not quite flu-like symptoms, but definitely not myself.
I've heard that mixing vaccine types can lead to unexpected reactions, though it’s thought to boost antibody production, so I decided to give it a try. Who knows what will happen?
A Tired Body
I might also be feeling fatigued from working out every day for a week. My body isn’t as young as it used to be, and it craves rest. Hence, I decided to take a break today.
Additionally, I’m still recovering from having my in-laws visit for two weeks. Their stay was pleasant overall, but the constant shift between rooms for sleep and work was a bit exhausting. Fellow writers will understand the importance of a stable routine.
Ah, the Writer’s Block!
These factors combined have led to a fourth element contributing to my “blah” mood: the notorious writer’s block! Fellow writers can relate—sitting at my desk with nothing but the thought, “Ugh, I can't write anything,” echoing in my mind.
On top of that, it’s Friday, and I’ve typically maintained a routine of writing two articles weekly. Today, I’ve only managed to produce one, and since my week usually wraps up on Fridays, I felt the pressure. I’ve been trying to reserve weekends for rejuvenation, making this one article feel like a failure.
Turning to Mindfulness
But enough of the whining! How did I combat today’s gloomy feelings using mindfulness? It boiled down to one minor yet significant action and one more substantial practice.
A Refreshing Mindful Walk
The minor action: As I sat at my desk, bouncing between contemplating “What should I write about?” and checking the latest sports scores, I decided it was time to make a smart move. I stood up and went for a mindful walk.
Typically, I take a quick five-minute stroll to the Back Bay, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, but this time I opted for a longer thirty-minute walk since I wasn’t working out. It was just what I needed. The weather was beautiful, and I experienced the invigorating rush of fresh air while observing some delightful birds.
More importantly, whenever I found myself spiraling into negative thoughts like, “I feel awful, and I can’t create anything,” I consciously redirected my thoughts. I acknowledged my feelings, saying to myself, “Yes, it’s okay to feel this way. Sometimes, we experience off days. That’s simply life. And yes, my enthusiasm for writing might be lacking right now, but that’s alright too. It happens.”
Understanding Primary vs. Secondary Pain
I’ve touched upon this concept before, as it’s one of the most valuable lessons mindfulness has taught me.
What do I mean by primary versus secondary pain? To illustrate, primary pain is the physical discomfort I felt from the COVID shot. Secondary pain would arise if I allowed myself to ruminate on my discomfort, spiraling into a cycle of negativity:
“Why didn’t I choose Moderna again? This was a bad idea. Now I’m going to feel awful all weekend while the kids are running around. Ugh!”
I managed to sidestep that added layer of suffering by practicing mindfulness, simply acknowledging, “Yes, I feel unwell, and that’s all there is to it.”
This Mindfulness Approach Saved My Day
In summary, I could have ended up feeling much worse today if I hadn't turned to my mindfulness strategies for support.
I can assure you that had I let negativity take over, there would have been no chance of me writing this article—my energy would have been completely depleted.
It’s essential to note that this isn’t about instantly feeling fantastic. If you’re grappling with discomfort, it might not vanish overnight. Rather, it’s about easing your discomfort, which is incredibly beneficial.
I highly recommend this approach whenever you're feeling low.
Thank you for reading.
For more resources, try my simple, free meditation program at davidgerken.net.
Chapter 2: The Role of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Understanding why we experience good and bad days can help us navigate our emotions.
Guided meditation can be a powerful tool for rewriting a bad day.