mind the gap

​Those British folks. They’re interesting, funny sometimes. They have slogans and ways of referring to things that are unique to them. The car hood is the “boot.” The subway is the “tube.” Just different, maybe quirky to me. But there’s one slogan that I’m adopting, “MIND THE GAP.”
          For the Brits, this slogan is cautionary. Every train and tube station in England has this slogan in bold colored, big font six inch letters painted on the platform next to the edge. When the train is in the station and dispersing passengers, they must “mind the gap” as they get on or off the train. You see, there’s a space between the train doors and the station platforms. When you mind the gap, you are less likely to misstep and injure yourself. So, Brits, mind the gap.
          I’m adopting this slogan, however, as a cautionary tale in the healing process on your journey in mentalligent psychotherapy (MPT). Part of your journey is embracing mindfulness as a context for healing. In my book, The Healing Journey: Overcoming Adversity on the Path to the Good Life, I introduce mindfulness to the reader.
          Many patients, especially newbies, at first see mindfulness as either Duh! Or gimmicky. They tend to dismiss it until they see the benefit as a gateway to emerging from a difficult past.
          “Okay, Sandra. Let me try another way to explain mindfulness, “I took a different tack.
          “I know, Doc,” Sandra started being dismissive. “It’s just being here. You, you know, present.”
          “Well, it’s more than that,” I added. “So, let me show you.”
          “Okay.”
          So, outstretch your arms, shoulder height, to each side.”
          “Like this?” Sandra followed my directions.
          “Yep. Now, from midpoint to your left hand represents your past. From midpoint to your right hand represents your future. So, bring both of your hands to meet in the middle, in front of you.” I paused as she did so. “If the movement of your healing journey is represented by your hands, where are you?”
          “Right now, with my hands together in front of me?” Sandra clarified, “I guess I’m right here, the present.”
          “You are more than just present. Your arms have erased your past and not anticipated your future. You are now free to focus your mind on your present. Not just here in body, but also in mind and spirit.”
          I then encourage my patients to use “mind the gap” as a cautionary catch phrase. Depression comes from allowing your past to consume you. Anxiety is generated by anticipating the future. Staying in your present allows you embrace your moment.
          Philosopher Eckhart Tolle puts it succinctly:
If your mind carries a heavy burden of the past, you will experience more of the same. The past perpetuates itself
through lack of presence. The quality of your consciousness at this moment is what shapes your future.
          I picked up a book of mindful sayings called Pausitivity: Take A Moment to Nurture Yourself (Compendium, 2011).
Tension is who you think you should be.
Relaxation is who you are.
          Being mindful releases tension and encourages relaxation. With this context, you healing journey begins.
Blessings, Dr. Jon

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