Get out of your head

There’s only ever one reason you feel stuck or aren’t making the progress you want to.

It’s because you are approaching it from the past instead of from the present.

Whether it’s a problem you’re trying to solve, an emotional state that has lingered for far too long, a habit you’re trying to break, or a relationship you’re trying to improve, you are allowing the past to dictate how you approach it.

You have a particular story that you are telling yourself.

It probably involves some reason why it feels hard.

It probably involves the line, “If only (some external even would change) then I could…..”

It may involve some degree of self-depreciation, “if only (I would try harder, be better, etc.) then…..”

You’ve rehearsed the lines of this story so much that the brain circuitry created has become automatic.

And because the story is on repeat in your mind, there’s no room for fresh thinking or a new thought.

So how do you break out of this unhelpful pattern?

There is a powerful tool that is available to you every moment of every day that you aren’t using.

It is the power of presence.

The ability to notice your breathing, or take in the world around you through your five senses, or notice a sensation in your body, and get out of your head and into the present moment.

Presences brings a halt to the tape that plays in your head.

It interrupts the cycle of negativity that is reinforced through the mind-body connection.

And it opens up space for something fresh and new.

Space for self-compassion, empathy, curiosity, and creativity.

Photo by Tom Swinnen on Pexels

What would happen if you approached the situation you’re facing from the present moment?

1. If you need to solve a problem, curiosity could lead you to ask a new question you hadn’t considered before. Creativity could arise from within, leading you to an innovative approach.

2. If you’ve lingered in an emotional state for too long, self-compassion could bring some understanding to how you’re feeling, and help you feel seen and validated in a way that allows the emotion to come to the end it is designed to (emotions aren’t permanent!).

3. If you’re trying to break a habit, self-compassion could lead you see to a deeper need that isn’t met, and a willingness to try a new strategy to meet that need.

4. If you’re trying to improve a relationship, empathy could help you understand the other person’s perspective, and curiosity might lead you to a more compassionate and creative conversation where you can both have your needs met in a way that creates a win-win situation for the relationship.

Where can you bring the power of presence to your life?

Love,

Audrey