I Am Not The Clouds, a Mindfulness Practice

I was walking on the beach the other morning and the clouds were so beautiful they reminded me of a mindfulness practice I often share with my clients.

When I was a little girl I loved watching the clouds ever changing shapes. I still do! Some clouds take fun or interesting shapes. Others are dark and ominous. When I watch the clouds, I am aware that I am not the clouds. I am the witness of the clouds.

The space between the clouds becomes a pause. Maybe a place to rest, to wonder, to be. Just like the space between my thoughts.

This metaphor of watching thoughts like I watch clouds brings to mind a child like curiosity, innocence and playfulness. From that place I can watch my thoughts, like I watched clouds when I was a little girl.

When I realize that I am not my thoughts, the importance of the thoughts diminish and I gain a new perspective. My relationship to my thoughts change. I gain new insights and freedom.

I am not the clouds.
I am the witness of the clouds.
I am not my thoughts.
I am the witness of my thoughts.