Sometimes the Effort is the Obstacle
Sometimes, it’s better not to try.
Have you ever struggled with trying to fall asleep where the harder you try to fall asleep, the harder it is to actually do so?
Well, this highlights a concept in mindfulness called “non-striving” where we don’t spend our energy or efforts trying to force an outcome.
Sometimes, when you try too hard, the trying becomes the obstacle because it creates tension around needing to achieve a certain goal.
In mindfulness, striving really hard to be in the present moment can cause anxiety because we become so attached to the outcome.
How does the benefit of not trying apply to you?
In our hustle and productivity-focused culture, this concept of non-striving can be beneficial.
It can look like actively listening to someone when they connect with you instead of trying to think of what to say next.
In creative expression, such as painting, writing, or cooking, not gripping to a goal or outcome allows freedom for creative flow.
The idea of “non-striving” (not trying to achieve a particular outcome) is one of the pillars of mindfulness as articulated by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) framework (the other pillars include: non-judging, patience, beginner’s mind, trust, acceptance, and letting go).
Essentially, non-striving shifts you…
From a “doing” mode to a “being” mode.
To being present rather than performing.
To intention with the process rather than tension around the outcome
You can enjoy this short, non-striving-to-be-mindful, guided mindfulness practice below.
Subscribe to “A Mindful Invitation” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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