Here is it, the scared Jedi texts.

Mindful meditation has been a powerful tool that I’ve been using for the longest time. I was first exposed to the power of meditation when I started practicing yoga. Meditation is key in allowing me to focus my mind and get back on track.

In today’s day and age, we are always on the go and tend to loose sight of what’s really important. I know this concept is truly hard in our society as many of have to work in order to live in some fashion. But we can make the most of the time that we do have on this rock floating through space. We need to A) let go of our stressors or B) readjust what we focus on.

Say it with me, “Fuck that.”

While these meditations may seem not that serious at all, it’s all about the mindset. Seriously fuck that shit that you are constantly worrying about. Just let it go, let it go (why did this snowman suddenly appear?), it’s not worth it and it’s weighing you down both mentally and physically. This year (2020) has taught me that my previous notion of normal was just not that. If anything this year has been a learning experience in mindfulness and a greater understanding of what is really important in life.

Give your mind a break every once in a while and fully clear your headspace. The best tool in your mental health journey is your mind. You need to take care of yourself. I have found that simply slowing down and breathing has helped calm my racing mind. Getting more oxygen into your body and more importantly your brain can help ease moments of anxiety.

Remember you can accomplish what you set your focus towards. Don’t worry about the white noise that life will bring along the way, it doesn’t matter. Just because something is happening right at this moment doesn’t mean it isn’t going to happen at all. Key moments in life will happen when they are supposed to happen and usually at times you least expect it. And above all never let anyone piss all over your parade. Do what you can to remove sources of negativity out of your life (i.e.: turning off 24 hour news networks, limiting exposure to social media, removing bad friends, etc…) because this will ultimately have the greatest impact on a healthy mindset.

Recently I’ve imposed a rule on myself of no social media after 8 at night. I have been using this now free time to realign my mental focus. In the week that I have been following this rule, I’ve been able to successfully start learning a new language, less mental stress and anger, and above all a freer mind.

September 2020 began my journey to fully refocus my quest for inner peace. However this path has evolved into more of a journey seeking enlightenment rather than peace. There will always be some level of chaos, pain, and stress in your life and it better to understand why you are feeling these emotions rather than wishing them away. As I’ve stated in prior chapters I’m not traditionally religious I do have my own set of beliefs. Ever since I read excerpt of Walden back in high school, Transcendentalism has spoke to me, and more recently so has Buddhism. The end goal of my journey is to transcend who Tony really is, and be one with who I am.