Recognizing What You Need

When you start tuning in mindfully to your experience,
it’s possible you’ll also begin to notice your difficulties and struggles.

Part of mindfulness is recognizing what you would like in these moments.

See should you can respond in a way that promotes your well-being and freedom
and never in a way that perpetuates your pain and suffering.

This exercise offers a concrete option to pause and have a look at your needs in a given moment.

Sit up as straight as you’re able, and gently close the eyes.

For this practice, it is useful to begin with a couple of minutes of concentration practice to really settle.

Pick a location within the body where you may feel the body respiration,
and tune in to the sensations of the breath for a few minutes.

Bring to mind a recent situation that you just found difficult or painful.

Without falling too far into the story,
acknowledge how this experience feels in the current moment.

With the memory and experience present in your consciousness, ask yourself what you needed in that moment.

Focus on general emotional needs, like compassion, understanding, and insight. With this
difficulty, what would have helped you?