I am working really hard on reframing my thoughts and shifting my perspective. When you pay attention to the right thoughts, things and people you can set yourself free and enjoy your life. Right now I am practicing the act of paying attention to my body throughout the day, even if it’s just noticing my back against the chair, my hands on the steering wheel, the wind against my skin or the temperature rising when I’m angry. By bringing my attention to my body I am able to become present, let go of what is in my mind and step back into my body that is here, right now.
Once I am able to do that, I notice that I can pay better attention to the blessings that surround me, things like the coffee I am drinking, the colours I’m seeing, the birds that are chirping, the weather, the opportunities afforded to me, the people I have in my life etc.
By practicing these I have become more present with my days and myself and as a result feel calmer and more optimistic about my circumstance and challenges. When I notice my thoughts wanting to go into the darkness, I recognise that is the pattern they’re used to but that it’s not necessary and before I go too far down I let them go. This has required a lot of practice because it’s not my natural response, but it is something that I’m becoming better at with time and the more I practice.
We have the choice to entertain the thoughts in our heads or to observe and let them go. What I’m referring to isn’t about ignoring your feelings or thoughts, it’s about knowing that honouring them doesn’t mean you have to give up your power to them. It’s like being stuck in a rip, the more you resist it and swim against it the more exhausted you will be. If you remain calm and notice where the rip is taking you, you can then identify the direction you need to swim in and only then you will set yourself free from it. I try to remind myself of this analogy whenever I get stuck in my own thoughts. I picture the rip, the ocean and the waves and I visualise myself surrendering with a sense of peace so that I can set myself free.
If you’re frightened by the rip, then you will take all the steps that will result in the rip endangering your life. It’s the same with the way we manage our thoughts and feelings. By letting things come through you and out of you, paying attention to how they make you feel without obsessing over them you will be able to let them go before they’re able to harm you. All of this requires learning how to connect with your body and allowing things to be.
Choose joy for yourself, practice optimism and hope, allow yourself to let things go and get comfortable with being happy because you deserve it! Whatever the narratives have been so far in our lives, we have the power to change them. With some patience, determination and lots of compassion and forgiveness we can rewire our brains and find liberation.
Love Always,
M
Souloom™ 