Mindset is everything.
A distorted lens.
We view events in life with different lenses rather than objectively seeing them as they are. We project our own understanding onto events which often leads to a distorted view obscuring the truth. How we interpret events determines how we feel about them. These lenses are developed from a young age conditioned by both our environment and culture. Our brain relies on past history to try and predict what will happen next.
Patanjali says in the beginning of the Yoga Sutras “False knowledge comes from misperception.”
Change can happen.
It is possible for us to break the habitual ways in which we relate to the world. However, it is hardwork for us to get our mind to operate in a different way.
Our brains are neuro plastic, so it is possible for us to change and disrupt the repetitive cycle of our temperaments, habits and personality built up over time.
“Everyone holds his fortune in his own hand, like a sculptor the raw material he will fashion into a figure. The skill to mould the material into what we want must be learned and attentively cultivated.” Goethe
Awareness is key.
The first thing we need to do is become aware of our thoughts by noticing what we think, to pay conscious attention. When we observe our tendencies of thought we can disrupt the pattern. When some event takes place, we automatically think a thought, and our reactions can come from a distorted view. What we need to question is, is this a dysfunctional thought? We can ‘fact check’ ourselves by asking a few questions about what we are thinking like “Is it true or helpful?”, “Is it possible to view the situation another way?”, “Is our reaction proportionate to the actual event?”.
Stop and ask yourself, “What lens am I viewing this through?”.
This can be a difficult thing to do when we are in the thick of a situation, but ultimately for a happier, balanced life we are trying to work towards an objective perspective.
Identifying distortions.
Identifying some of the distorted lenses we look through is helpful. Dwelling on our thoughts. An event happens and we stew going over it again and again and that can then lead to an increase in feelings of anger. Acknowledge how the situation makes you feel physically, is it possible to feel it as a sensation in the body? Is there an emotion attached to it? Can we name it? It is important to acknowledge how we feel. Keep to the facts rather than the Ego’s need to be right. If we continue to magnify certain aspects, we lose sight of the bigger picture. Are our conclusions justified or are we overreacting at all? Is our reaction in proportion to the situation?
Get out of your own way!
Ask yourself am I jumping into old patterns or can I shift this.
This kind of exploration can bring up different emotions, which can be good as it is an opportunity to shift things along, perhaps a good cry letting go of baggage and tension that we are holding in our bodies and mind. We are often standing in our own way, stopping ourselves reaching our true potential.
Living with intention.
We can shift out of these survival states into a state of flow where creativity can take place and we become the leaders in our lives rather than the reactors?
Can we catch ourselves before our thoughts start to spin out of control?
We can stop and breathe, using the breath as an anchor and way to shift our state of being?
Starting our day with intention gives us the chance to steer our lives in the direction of our choosing. Finding a quiet time first thing in the morning to sit and tune in, feeling into what you want to create around you, what you would like to bring into manifestation in your life. When we create space for this to happen, we can cultivate an inner environment that is happier, in tune, positive and aligned with the version of you that you would like to connect to.
This really is where the magic happens, and it does not need to take a lot of time. Setting an alarm fifteen minutes earlier than usual, and then getting up without looking at any devices, just straight up in bed or onto a yoga mat, to sit and breath and feel becoming the conscious creator of your life.
“Listen to the silence it has much to say.” Rumi
The mind has great power and potential when we clear our limitation and begin to move away from obstacles that we have placed in the way, but it takes effort or ‘abhyasa’ steady effort in the right direction. (Patanjali.)
In this way mind, body, heart and spirit are open to the present moment and our full potential.
Enjoy this morning meditation for intention setting:
What would it mean for you if your day got off to the right start?
Please share with me what works for you and how you set your intentions. I would love to hear from you!
Zoom classes… These are slow flow restorative yoga classes for deep relaxation and stress relief.
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Blessings…
Grace
