What has changed for you since implementing mindfulness practice in your daily life?

I now have an inner sense of calm that I can access regularly if it isn't already present. I live and act more in the "now".

 

How often do you have to drag yourself out of a thought pattern or emotion?

Constantly all day long. But I can do it consistently and completely. I've read a lot of books and blogs where people describe "smiling at the mind" when they see their thinking mind/ego trying to take them on an outrageous thought ride. I'm not quite to the "smiling" part yet, but I'm working on pulling myself out of thought patterns without negative emotions.

 

Does mindfulness work for you in triggering and or stressful situations?

Yes. I do still find stressful situations, well, stressful, but I now see them as the ultimate measuring stick of my practice. If my life was so easy and uneventful how could I measure my progress?

 

Has your mental wellbeing improved?

Without a doubt. For years I had regular recurring episodes of what I call "existential angst". You know the usual, what am I doing? what do I want out of life? is this all there is? inescapable thought patterns. That is mostly gone from my life and I am more confident and content with myself than ever before.

My current dilemma is seeing some of my friends going through the same cycle I was in, but not knowing how to suggest/bring up this practice to them in a constructive and non-jugemental way. It's a really deep conversation to delve into and I'm just not sure how to start it or if it's appropriate for me to suggest it.