When I first heard about the concept of non-striving in mindfulness, I didn’t quite understand what it was.  My initial thought was it meant to stop trying to accomplish things.  In a way I was correct.  However, non-striving is more than that.  Here is an excerpt from my journal on what I thought non-striving really meant.  “This is very much a scholarly concept.  For me I interpret it as not trying to force things to happen or going with the flow of things.  This very much fits into the goal of mindfulness by being in the present moment.  Just being in the present moment without any judgment.” As you can see it took some time for me to wrap my head around the idea of non-striving.  I was able to touch on aspects of the concept.  However, the full understanding wasn’t quite there.  I have since been able to pull it all together.  Here is what I have figured out.

What is Non-Striving?

The website minfulnessexercises.com has a short article called What does Non-Striving Mean?.  It discusses how non-striving is one of the fundamental attitudes of mindfulness.  They put forth the idea that non-striving is an attitude of being and not doing.  Just having an openness to the present moment.  As you can see, I was on the right track in my journal entry.  After reflecting on this definition for a minute it came to me.  Non-striving is about being content.  I believe contentment is a very good way of describing it.  In a society where we are being pushed to always do more and be better, contentment gets lost by the wayside.  Taking a moment to be still and be content is very therapeutic.  It can give you the pause needed to take a few breaths and refocus your mind.

Practicing Non-Striving

To begin practicing non-striving you have to put yourself in the present moment.  Doing a breathing meditation is a great way to do this.  The breathing meditation will ground you in the present moment.  Next, we need to let go of any judgement about the present moment.  Finally, we accept the present moment just as it is.  Another technique is to realize that striving is about obtaining a specific result.  Whereas non-striving is about paying attention to the process of getting the result.  This shift in focus allows us to let go of the outcome and enjoy the moment.  Another similar technique is to align our goals up with our intentions.  Concentrating on our intentions lets us control how we show up in the present.  This allows us to align our actions with our values.  Despite what the result may be.  These techniques will help you be present in the moment.

Non-Striving in Mindfulness

All the concepts of mindfulness are interconnected.  When you start developing one you are developing all of them all the same time.  Non-striving is most closely related to non-judging The main point to remember about non-striving is to focus on being and not doing.  As you start to make this transition in thought and focus, notice how your body feels.  There will be a drastic change in physical sensation.  You will start to feel more relaxed.  As you progress, you will notice the journey is more valuable than the end result.