We tend to believe our own sad stories about our lives, often unconsciously. In this way, we cast ourselves as frequent victims in our own dramas. Mindfulness can help us become aware of the thought patterns that keep us susceptible to those negative beliefs, rather than claiming our power and responsibility. Who are you blaming for the problems in your life? Placing blame is unproductive and doesn’t improve the situation. Keep a space open there, and invite other possibilities into your life.

Try this meditation for one minute today, or longer if you wish:

IDENTIFY a negative story you tell yourself about your life. Can you let go of that victim narrative, or at least loosen it around the edges?

Mindfulness is awareness that arises through
paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.
It’s about knowing what is on your mind.
—Jon Kabat-Zinn

How did this meditation go for you? Share your experience with your fellow North Shore Bank employees at shorelines@northshorebank.com and you’ll be entered to win a copy of Mindfulness in Plain English, by Bhante Gunaratana.

If you’d like a daily email reminder to practice one minute of mindfulness, email us with the subject “Mindfulness reminder.”