In 2018, a Thai soccer team called the Wild Boars became trapped in a cave due to flooding. The team of 12 boys and their coach were stuck in the cave for over two weeks, they didn’t know what was going to happen to them or whether anyone would be able to rescue them.
The team’s coach was a former Buddhist monk who had taught the boys meditation techniques to help them deal with the stress and uncertainty of being trapped in the cave. The boys were able to use the mindfulness techniques to stay calm and conserve their energy while they waited for rescuers to reach them. After they were eventually freed, the boys credited their resilience to the meditation practices that their coach had taught them.
Unfortunately, uncertainty is a regular part of our lives. It can be a result of unexpected events, changes in our circumstances, or simply the unknown. When we face uncertainty, it can bring up feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress. It can make us feel like we don't have control over our lives and create a sense of unease.So how can we apply the principles of mindfulness to help us deal with uncertainty?
The first principle is impermanence. Buddhism teaches us that everything in life is impermanent and constantly changing. When we recognize this, we can approach uncertainty with the understanding that it is just a temporary state of being. By remembering that everything changes, we can find comfort in knowing that uncertainty won't last forever.
The second principle is non-attachment, the theme for this year’s podcast. When we become attached to outcomes or expectations, we create suffering for ourselves. By letting go of attachment, by releasing our cows, we can approach uncertainty with a sense of openness and flexibility. We can be more present in the moment and less focused on the future. When we let go of attachment, we can allow ourselves to be more accepting of what is happening in the present.
The third principle is mindfulness itself. When we practice being mindful, we can observe our reactions to uncertainty and reduce our reactiveness. By being present with our experience of uncertainty, we can recognize our thoughts and feelings and respond with kindness, clarity and calmness.
The fourth principle is acceptance. Acceptance is about acknowledging the reality of a situation without resisting or denying it. When we accept uncertainty, we can approach it with a sense of calm and clarity, rather than with fear or anxiety. Acceptance allows us to be present in the moment and respond with greater awareness and understanding.
The fifth principle is compassion. Compassion is the practice of showing kindness and understanding to ourselves and others. When we face uncertainty, it can be easy to become self-critical or judgmental. By cultivating compassion, we can approach the situation with a sense of kindness and understanding, which can help to ease the suffering that uncertainty can bring - not just for ourselves but for others too.
Uncertainty is a part of life, but we can apply the principles of mindfulness to help us deal with it. By recognizing impermanence, letting go of attachment, practising mindful awareness of our feelings, accepting the reality of the situation, and cultivating compassion, we can approach uncertainty with a greater sense of calmness, clarity, and kindness.
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