I recognize patterns of self-sabotage

Sometimes getting into flow is just about figuring out what's next.

One way to look at synchronicity is recognizing what needs your attention. This is kind of like Right Action in Buddhism.

Meditation as project management

Meditation doesn't have to be a "spiritual" practice; it can be project management!

When I stop doing tasks for a few minutes and sit down to meditate, guess what happens? I start to remember all sorts of things I need to take care of.

I remember conversations I've recently had.

I remember moments of recent tension with family or friends.

I remember little moments of joy that I forgot about.

I remember agreements I made with Dana or a friend about something I would take care of.

I remember that I need to take care of childcare for next week, or that I need to set an alarm to feed my neighbor's cat this weekend.

Remembrance meditation practice

I was taught that these are the things that get in the way of being mindful and present. Once these things get flushed away, so the reasoning goes, then we can have a spacious meditation.

But you can also use these first moments of meditation themselves as a tool for being more mindful in a practical sense: you can make room in your mind for the things you forgot.

By stopping in the middle of your day for a short mindful reflection, all these opportunities for synchronicity come back to you. I call this my Remembrance Practice.

Remembrance leads to synchronicity

For instance, by remembering the agreement I made with a friend, I may receive their appreciation. Sometimes that can feel like a real synchronicity!

Or by remembering to feed my neighbor's cat, I might recall that I'm going to be gone in a few weeks and I need my neighbor to feed my cat in exchange. Good thing I was reliable! That's the synchronicity, too.

(I find this even better than making written lists because the things that filter through my meditation are usually more purposeful than all the trivial things on my task list!)

Practice

Anytime is good for this, but the best time for this is in the middle of the day. Break up your workday with a brief period of quiet.

Sit comfortably, and away from distractions. Have a journal nearby or a notepad.

Try to sit without writing.

Only make a note when something important comes to mind that you want to take care of. Use whatever clarity you get to guide the rest of your workday.