What I Learned About Mindfulness from Prison Break
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Chapter 1: A Memorable Binge-Watching Experience
One of my all-time favorite television series is Prison Break. It was among the first shows I ever binge-watched, and there's a day from my high school years that remains etched in my memory.
I had a fever, so my mother allowed me to stay home from school. Lying in bed, with little else to do, I ended up watching twelve consecutive episodes of Prison Break. Yes, twelve!
With each episode lasting about 45 minutes, I devoted an astonishing nine hours to the show. It was both captivating and overwhelming.
So much so that when I finally fell asleep, my dreams revolved around escaping from prison. Those nine hours of viewing turned into an additional nine hours of feverish dreams where I was entangled in the narrative. When I woke up, I felt inexplicably exhausted after spending the night trying to break out of a fictional prison.
I learned an essential lesson that day: Avoid binge-watching TV while sick, as you'll likely regret it!
Move Like Michael
I didn't write this piece merely to share my TV-watching habits. Instead, I want to impart a valuable mindfulness insight I gleaned from one of the show's central characters, Michael. He is undeniably impressive—cool, composed, and strategic. What struck me most about him was his manner of movement.
Michael navigates each part of his plan with remarkable precision. He never appears hurried, and every action he takes is filled with intention. It's as if he embodies a Zen-like mastery, utilizing just the right amount of energy for each motion, without excess.
My Insightful Experiment
I first noticed his graceful movements during my high school years, long before I was familiar with mindfulness or meditation. Captivated by both the show and Michael's character, I dedicated an entire day to mimicking his deliberate and slow movements. Unbeknownst to me, I was embarking on a mindfulness experiment.
The outcome was astonishing. Although I could only maintain this intentional pace for a few minutes before reverting to my usual hurried self, I felt an unprecedented sense of calm and presence.
By deliberately slowing down, I began to notice my hands, arms, and other body parts that usually went unnoticed. I felt more connected to my body and aware of the energies within me.
It was such an unusual experience that I kept it to myself for years, fearing judgment as a self-conscious teenager. However, throughout the years, I have consistently reminded myself to "move like Michael" whenever stress or overwhelm set in.
The next time you feel rushed or anxious, I encourage you to slow down your movements. Concentrate on moving deliberately and smoothly, and pay attention to the sensations in your body.
There's a saying in mountaineering: “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” Embrace the philosophy of moving like Michael, and you'll understand.
Chapter 2: Mindfulness in Unlikely Places
Explore how meditation can be practiced even in the most challenging environments, such as within prison walls, as portrayed in the video "Freedom Behind Bars: Meditation in Prison".
Chapter 3: Life Lessons from Fictional Characters
In this video, discover six profound life lessons inspired by the character T-Bag from Prison Break, illustrating how even flawed characters can teach us essential truths about resilience and growth.