Embracing the Queer Spirit: A Mindful Journey

Words by Khai Dye-Brinkman (they/them)

I want to talk about something close to my heart. It’s something that has brought me both peace and understanding: spirituality. 

Before you roll your eyes and think it's all rainbows and unicorns, it's so much more than that! As a queer individual who's delved deep into the spiritual realms, I've discovered mindfulness is my secret sauce that supports me to connect with the cosmic dance of life. So, grab your favourite beverage, and let's dive into this mindful journey together.

Picture this: deadlines are piling up, rent is due, and your boss has asked you to pick up a shift.: The world is buzzing and your mind is running a million miles an hour. Sound familiar? That’s my life too, but I promise that mindfulness helps. 

Mindfulness is not just about sitting cross-legged and chanting ‘om’ like a meditation guru (although, if that's your jam, go hard). Mindfulness is, truly, about bringing your full attention to the present moment and letting go of judgement.

Here's where spirituality comes into play. For me, spirituality isn't tied to any specific religion or belief system. Instead, it's about finding a sense of connection to something bigger than yourself. And in this chaotic world, finding that connection can be like finding a needle in a haystack. 

Mindfulness and spirituality make the ultimate dream team because they both teach us to embrace authenticity. As a queer person, I know what it's like to grapple with self-acceptance and societal expectations. But through mindfulness, I've learned to let go of judging myself and lean into the beauty of my true self, being unapologetically me.

One of my favourite mindfulness practices is the art of observation. Imagine watching clouds drift across the sky. You don't try to control their shapes or movements; you simply observe, allowing them to just be. Similarly, mindfulness helps us observe our thoughts and emotions without getting swept away by them. In this space of observation, we can explore our spirituality without judgement or preconceived notions.

Mindfulness also acts as a gentle reminder that our spirituality doesn't have to be serious all the time. It's okay to laugh at ourselves, dance wildly to our favourite tunes, and even indulge in guilty pleasures. Spirituality and mindfulness are about finding objective joy in the present moment, and if that means belting out a bedroom ballad, so be it!

But let's not forget the tough stuff. 

Life isn't always softly drifting clouds and sunshine, there are thunderstorms too. When we face hardships, mindfulness can become a lighthouse guiding us through rough waters. By anchoring ourselves in the present moment, we can navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace. Embracing spirituality in these moments brings solace and the understanding that we are part of a vast, interconnected universe.

Here's a little secret: you don't have to be perfect. Mindfulness and spirituality are journeys, not destinations. There will be days when your mind feels like a caffeinated monkey, and that's totally okay. The key is to approach this practice with gentleness and compassion, just as you would with a dear friend.

So, my fabulous friends, if you're curious about exploring spirituality, consider inviting mindfulness to your self-discovery tea party. Whether you're queer, straight, or somewhere in between, these practices can offer profound insights and create a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.

As we wrap up this chat, I encourage you to find a quiet moment, take a deep breath or two, and savour the stillness. Remember, spirituality is about embracing your uniqueness and connecting with the universal energy that binds us all together. And who knows, amidst the chaos and the calm, you might find a whole new world of wonder waiting for you.

Until next time, stay mindful and embrace your queer spirit with pride!