knew her daughter’s feelings were normal, but she also wanted to
help her become less stuck on her rim. So she introduced her to a
mindsight exercise. Andrea had Nicole lie ɻat on the sofa, and she
sat in the chair next to her. Then she began to help her daughter
become more aware of what was going on inside her. Here’s the
gist of what she said:
OK, Nicole, while you’re lying still, move your eyes around
the room. Even without moving your head, you can see the
lamp over on the table. Now look over at your baby pictures.
See them? Now look at the bookcase. Can you see the big
Harry Potter book there? Now look back at the lamp.
Do you see how you have the power to focus your attention
all over this room? That’s what I want to teach you about, but
we’re going to focus your attention on what’s going on inside
your mind and body. Close your eyes, and let’s focus on your
thoughts and feelings and senses. Let’s start with what you
hear. I’m going to be quiet for a few seconds, and you pay
attention to the sounds around us.
What do you hear? That car going by? The dog barking
across the street? Do you hear your brother running the water
in the bathroom? You’re aware of those sounds simply
because you got still and focused on hearing them. You
listened on purpose.
Now I want you to notice your breathing. First, notice the
air coming in and out of your nose.... Now feel your chest
going up and down.... Now notice the way your stomach
moves each time you breathe in and out....
I’m going to be quiet again for a few seconds. During that
time, stay focused on your breath. Other thoughts will come
into your mind, and you’ll probably even think about the
recital. That’s ɹne. When you notice that your mind is