Stop. Take the Shoe Off.

Have you ever been out walking when you’ve realised there is a stone in your shoe, but you haven’t stopped to remove it?

It’s uncomfortable, but it’s easy to dismiss, and the idea of stopping to remove your shoe and shake it out feels like too much hassle and a waste of time.

So, instead you carry on.

But with each step, that stone makes itself known and keeps pulling your attention away from the enjoyment of the walk.

You tell yourself it’s nothing, just a small stone, and you’ve come this far so you might as well carry on.

So, you keep walking, slightly annoyed that the stone chose your shoe! 😂

Until eventually, it becomes impossible to ignore. You stop, irritated now, take off your shoe and shake it out. And there it is. A tiny stone, so tiny you’re almost disappointed it wasn’t bigger.

You start walking again and perhaps you can now enjoy the relief and enjoy the surroundings, or perhaps you’re mad at yourself for not stopping earlier. This is just as distracting as the stone in your shoe!

This is what living with stress feels like.

Small persistent interruptions in the form of thoughts about the past, worries about the future. Things that we can cope with but that distract us from the joy of life.

Mindfulness, and meditation in particular, is simply the practice of stopping to take the shoe off and then carrying on without judgement, allowing presence to return.

Not waiting until things feel unbearable. Not pushing through out of habit, distracted, annoyed at yourself.

If you’re ready to get started check out the guided meditations on Youtube