We Are Always Training the Mind

What we do, how we speak, what we believe in, all have a profound effect on the mind’s well being and our self-esteem. When it comes to relationships, intimacy, and sensuality, these same (often unconscious) daily thoughts and actions affect how we feel about ourselves. Am I enough? Do I deserve love? How do I keep love? How we answer these inner questions is dependent on how our mind has been conditioned.

One of the things that happens in our current technological world is frequent and habitual stimulation through social media, Scrolling on YouTube or Facebook, or Instagram, etc., etc.

We are always training the mind with our actions. This type of scrolling, binging on quick-fix dopamine hits, trains our attention span to become shorter and shorter, and it pulls our focus outward into random distractions. As a result, we become less embodied and more in our head, and we diminish our connection to our own inner wisdom.

Scientists say that the brain is flexible and changeable. Through practice, we can teach ourselves how to be more embodied, to feel more, to notice our own energy’s movement or stagnation, to enhance our ability to listen to the inner wisdom we all have, especially when we can choose to pause and rest in still contemplation.

The practices of meditation, embodiment, affirmations and visualization are all tools to train the mind. Practicing Tantra, Hakomi and Buddhism has taught me to be more mindful of my body, speech, and thoughts. It has increased my outward flow of loving kindness towards others, and sharpened my ability to see what is true for me, inside.

We all have habitual patterns and conditioning. For example, I consider myself a recovering nice girl.  I had a very strong belief that in order to be loved, I had to be giving to others at my own expense. Of course, it feels great to help someone—I love caring for others—the difference is, now, when I help, it’s by my own choice rather than a habitual pattern.

When it comes to Tantra and sacred sexuality, it’s important to have our voice—to be able to say yes and no, to have boundaries, to be clear about what we want or need—in order to open to the beauty of our own sensuality. I believe that’s where most of the practices we need can be found. It’s about getting in touch with our truth, and being able to speak it. And, of course, respecting others by listening to their truths and their boundaries. Within the safety of that container our sensuality just naturally blooms. And when we express our needs and boundaries our body trusts us more.

Remember, it’s the consistency of practice that helps the mind grow in awareness, and the stillness of witnessing that lets the inner wisdom flow.

My Morning Tantra Practice, Monday – Friday 8:00-8:30 am PT, is a consistent, five days a week, half hour practice for connecting with our breath and energy through Tantra—including a daily intention. Regular practice helps participants—myself included—to start the day with stillness, inner listening and grounded embodiment.

Morning Tantra Practice is live on Zoom (cameras off) and also recorded, so you can listen later. You can learn more and sign up here.

Many Blessings,
Lindy Dakini James