From my previous post, How to Create Mindfulness Around Our Finances, we learned the importance of having a method. It sounds simple. Stop, breath or recite. But when we are faced with difficult situations, is this really possible? Honestly, no, not all the times. It’s hard to remember to breath when we are confronted with a difficult person or situation.
It takes time to develop this kind of stability in our practice. This is why it’s imperative we use our method daily. In doing so, we develop a healthy habit. This is the best way to remember our method when we are challenged. Simple reminders are useful.
Hands
We constantly use our hands, so it’s a great place to start. I change the colors, draw different faces, use different words, I write on both hands. I have to be creative because my mind gets used to them quickly. It also serves as a conversation piece. Some people ask and I gladly share.
Reminders
Another trick is writing reminders on pieces of paper and putting them all around the house. Sometimes, if I’m spending the weekend by myself, I paste them all around the walls, doors, even right above the toilet paper. There are times, I forget to take the signs down and my kids make fun of me. But, it’s ok because I practiced my method for the whole weekend.
I often put notes for myself in my drawers or in random places. It’s funny how I find these notes right when I need them.
I also put them on my steering wheel.
At work, we can put inconspicuous reminders around our desk or a place we look regularly. The computer is a weak spot for me. I get distracted the easiest, so I put one on my screen.
Phone
The phone or tablet are useful too. I set alarms on my phone to go off during the day. I’ve put a little note on my phone to remind me, so I don’t lose myself in mindless activities.
Bells
Bells are equally resourceful. I downloaded a mindful bell from Google Play based on the some of the habits taught by the well known Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh.
I’ve taken a picture of a verse from the Diamond Sutra and set it as the wallpaper for my phone, so the first page I look at is this one:
Mindful Reminder
The possibilities and creativity are endless when we are determined. The question is how much time are we willing to invest. It’s essential to help ourselves. Like I’ve mentioned, it’s not easy to stay on a method, but it is easy to put reminders in place. I do not take for granted I have been practicing for a while. I use one or a combination depending on what is happening in my life. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of being diligent.
Seeking Help
If you are depressed, anxious, or have panic attacks, find a health professional who can help you.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National can provide free referrals. They are open 24/7, 365 days a year.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact 988 for help. The calls are free, confidential, and they are open 24/7 to help you navigate difficult emotions.
Attend a Workshop
If you are interested in attending an live webinar on improving your relationship with your finances, please visit my events.
Related Posts
Hanh, T. N. (2006). Understanding our mind. Berkeley, CA: Parallax Press.
Yen, S. (1987). Faith in mind. Elmhurst, NY: Dharma Drum Publications.
Yen, S. (2008). The method of no-method. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, Inc.
The Sixth’s Patriarch’s Dharma Jewel Platform Sutra (Sure, H., Liang, Y., Huang, A., Shih, Y.,
Lew, M., & Verhoeven, M.J. Trans.; 4th ed.). (2014). Buddhist Text Translation Society.
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