If you’re seeking peace of mind, it comes down to simply doing these two things.

I like to keep things simple.

I believe universal truths are simple.

And when it comes to cultivating peace of mind, I think you need to do only these two things.

1. Change what you can and need to change.

2. All else, let it be.

I can already hear your next question:

How do I let things be?

But before you jump into that question, there’s another important question to consider.

WHAT do you need to let be or accept.

It turns out we can’t really change our thoughts, feelings, sensations, memories and urges.

And yet, we spend so much time trying to change them.

This is one of the big insights from ACT research, and that’s how it’s developed and challenge the traditional CBT approach.

It turns out, your thoughts and feelings are not the problem. The problem is you believe them to be true or spend much of your time trying to fix them.

E.g Trying to silence your mind or have positive thoughts or feel good all the time.

Instead, focus on your values - what’s meaningful for you. What makes you feel alive. And focus your attention on moving in that direction.

That’s what you can change. That is where you can make a difference.

And use meditations, like the one I’m sharing below, to learn to let all else be. 

Letting be is a skill. Like riding a bike or walking or reading. It improves with practice.

So go ahead and try listening for just a minute! And more only if you really want to.

Start cultivating your ‘Let it Be’ muscle.

This was an excerpt from Daily Mindfulness Club. Join up if you wish to join our friendly community, or check out our other courses to teach mindfulness, ACT and more!