The World's Easiest Way to Clear Your Mind [Mental] [Recovery] [Strengthening]

1. Even just for a moment

Do nothing. Think about nothing.

Isn't that the hardest thing to do?

You're exhausted and your mental state is struggling.

At times like that, do nothing. Think about nothing.

Even when you try to rest, you end up lying around, looking at your phone, and watching YouTube.

You're always doing something unless you're asleep.

You recover when you sleep, but you can't just sleep all the time.

As for what's going on in your head, you're obsessively thinking about your unfinished to-do list and simulating the worst-case scenarios over and over again.

Or you're replaying last week's silly mistake in your brain again and again, holding a one-person reflection meeting.

Your internal monologue is at full throttle, and your mind never knows how to rest.

I wrote about this here, too.

I'm getting on in years, so I'd like to have some composure.

I'm interested in meditation and mindfulness, but even this super introductory book suggests a "10-minute" meditation.

This is a book I really like.
It's even highly praised by Bill Gates himself.

10 minutes is too long!
I can't help but get distracted.

For those who think, "10 minutes? That's easy, lol," please try it once.
Set a 10-minute timer, get into a relaxing pose, and just keep observing what you're thinking about. That's all.

Even just that is quite a high level of difficulty.

If you can do this with ease, you are a mindfulness winner.

As someone who struggles with mindfulness, I have taken the liberty of improving it.

You don't even need 10 minutes.

Just one second is enough.

Try to clear your mind.

This is super easy.

1. Even as you read this, try counting for one second right where you are.

2. Observe what you were thinking about during that one second.

When you try this, you realize that you really can't think of anything in just one second.

At least, not with a brain like mine.

In other words, even though it's only one second, you can experience a clear mind.

I can't meditate for 10 minutes.
So, let's call it a one-second meditation, which is even simpler.

When you consciously do this whenever you happen to think of it, you'll find that both your brain and body can relax surprisingly well. Plus, it's so convenient that it takes almost no time at all.

For absolute beginners to meditation, I think a one-second meditation is more than effective enough.

2. Immerse yourself in what you love

I think this is similar to when you are completely immersed in something you love.

For example, in my case, it's when I'm jogging.

Your body is relaxed. Furthermore, jogging is an aerobic exercise that feels great.

Even though your brain is thinking about various things here and there, you can get so absorbed in jogging that your mind becomes empty.

The feeling of having an empty mind has a huge impact on why doing what you love feels so good.

At the very least, during that time, you don't have to keep looping unnecessary negative thoughts.

3. Listen to your favorite music

This is also close to point 2.

Recently, I started listening to music slowly for the first time in a while, and when I listen closely to the pleasant tones, my whole body relaxes. My mind becomes empty.

Listen to music while lying down and giving yourself a gentle massage.

This is the ultimate zero-cost relaxation.

The Yuru gymnastics I have been doing for over 10 years. Simple. Feels good. Can be done while lying down. A skill that lasts a lifetime once you try it. You can learn it for free on YouTube.

Summary

Clearing your mind is extremely difficult.

Meditation has such a high barrier to entry, like retreating to the mountains or sitting in Zazen for hours.

That image is so strong that people tend to avoid it.

But wouldn't a more modest way be fine? I tried it thinking even one second would be enough, and it has an immediate effect. Besides, it's rare for someone to be able to think about this and that in just one second. You almost never fail.

If you can feel your mind go empty for even one second, you get a sense of refreshment like a smartphone that has closed all its unnecessary apps.

And the way to do it is just to be conscious of that one second.

You can do it anywhere and in any situation.

If you stack up one-second pauses many times a day, you can close unnecessary apps in your head each time, and I think you can expect the same or even better effects than a 10-minute meditation by letting it all add up.

Honestly, it feels quite refreshing to keep practicing this pathetic one-second meditation.

Bonus.

The best book on meditation in my opinion.

This is the old edition. It is already out of print.

This is the new edition. It's been a steady seller.
I definitely prefer the cover illustration of the old edition.

Being conscious of the space in front of you is also good.
A skill to notice the emptiness around you.
This book is like a bible to me.

A free translation of the Heart Sutra by a life scientist.
The book itself is thin and simple, but it is incredibly profound.
A mysterious book that made me feel like I caught a glimpse of the truth of the universe.

Taking photos.
This act can also clear your mind.
The pleasure of pressing the shutter at the decisive moment.
That thrilling instant is irresistible.

A retro digital SLR that you can get change back from 10,000 yen even after buying the body, lens, and everything else. Nikon cameras and lenses are sturdy. They last a long time. They are assets.
My favorite is the 2005 model. The D70S is the successor to the D70.

This lens was made in 1987. That's 38 years ago!

Cooking is also a chance to clear your mind.
Mindfulness while humming a tune.
Stews give you something to look forward to tomorrow.

A thermal cooker is convenient to have in every home.
Bring it to a boil, put it in the container, and automate the stewing process.
It also helps save on ever-rising utility costs.

A moment to savor freshly brewed coffee.
You can clear your mind by being filled with the aroma and taste.