3 Ways to Reclaim a Free Mind

In your daily life, do you feel your mind is being constrained without you even realizing it?
When living in society,
you inevitably become concerned about the eyes and judgments of others,
and your mind tends to lose its freedom.
“I must do this”
“I must not let that person dislike me”

When you get caught up in thoughts like these,
you lose sight of your true self,
and you start to feel stifled.

You are fine just as you are.
And, you don't need to judge yourself.

1. Take a walk.

Please try walking as far as you can.
Then, try to perceive how the world looks in this very moment—the scenery, sounds, scents, and so on.

・Sight – “Seeing”

Even on roads you pass by casually every day,there might be new discoveries.
The color of the sky, the shape of the clouds, trees swaying in the wind, flowers on the roadside, the design of signs...
By consciously “seeing,”
you can focus your awareness on this present moment.

・Hearing – “Listening”

The chirping of birds,the sound of the wind rustling through the trees,
the voices of people or the sound of cars from afar.
When you listen closely to sounds you usually don't even notice,
your mind will calm down.

・Smell – “Feeling the scents”

If you walk in a park, you might smell the soil and grass,and if you walk through town, the scent of freshly baked bread from a bakery might drift by.
Take a deep breath of the air where you are now,
and try to feel the scent of the season.

・Touch – “Feeling with your skin”

The sensation of the wind brushing against your cheeks,the warmth of the sunlight,
or reaching out to touch grass or trees is also nice.
When you become aware of the sensations you feel with your body,
you can truly feel that you are here right now.

・Taste – “Savoring”

While on your walk,it is also recommended to have a drink you like.
Warm coffee or cold water,
when you savor it in nature,
it might taste even better than usual.

2. Look out at the wide world.

︎
There are skies of many different times.

If you look out at the world outside,
many different people are living their lives.
Parents and children shopping,
shop clerks working in stores,
there are so many people living their lives to the fullest every day.

By physically broadening your field of vision,
you create space in your mind.
Also, your own worries may start to seem
very small.
Just by thinking, “There is still so much I don't know about this world,”
you should feel your mind becoming free.

3. I affirm myself.

Please say “words of simple affirmation” to yourself.

✔︎ “I am fine just as I am”
✔︎ “I will acknowledge myself for doing my best”
✔︎ “I have my own pace”

Before you speak positive words to yourself,
just simply affirm who you are.

I affirm myself.

That alone will free your mind,
and allow you to live in this very moment.