It’s OK. We’re All a Little Lost.
Have you ever had any of these thoughts?
You are (or, I am) so stupid;
There must be something wrong with you (or, me);
You (or, I) don’t deserve kindness…
If so, I promise you, there is nothing wrong with you. It’s just that the human mind is designed to look for flaws in order to give us reasons for why things aren’t the way we want them to be.
Without rhyme or reason the world is a much scarier place to be. And we are programmed to avoid danger.
We need predictability to feel safe.
So we judge. If our mind gives us something to oppose (this is polarity, ie, black or white, right or wrong, bad or good), then things are predictable and clear, and therefore manageable.
This is all fine and good when things are simple. For example:
It’s raining outside so I will bring an umbrella;
My loved one enjoys pistachio ice cream so I will get some at the grocery store;
The party starts at 7:00 so we will leave the house at 6:45;
There is a red light so I will stop.
However, some of the really important things are rarely that simple,
Why does my best friend believe the things they believe?
How can I best support my struggling young adult child?
Why do I lash out at my partner when they are the one I love most?
How can my loved one sometimes be so mean, and also sometimes be so loving?
What is the healthiest way to navigate life when so many things have changed and seem so out of my control???
Honestly, if you read any of the Spiritual Masters, the optimal ways to handle the complexities of life haven’t really changed in the course all humanity.
However, it is way more challenging today because life has become way more intense.
With the breakneck pace of technological advancement, the evolution of the human brain and our human physiology has not been able to keep up.
We are not as equipped to manage as we once were when life indeed was much, much simpler.
It takes way more effort to regulate our nervous systems now when we are bombarded with the unlimited amount of informational overload that comes with 24/7 instant access.
And anyone born before cell phones were available will necessarily have a more challenging time.
Our brains are working overtime to try and process this new world of electronically wired connectivity that never existed for us while we were growing up.
Perhaps, each younger generation will have less of a challenge as evolution does its part to wire their brains differently. For their sakes, I hope so…
However, for many of us born before the 21st century, it becomes all the more important to give our brains and nervous systems time to reset.
Overwhelm is a real thing.
I have a feeling most of you can relate!
It’s like trying to drive a car when the gas tank is empty, or the battery is not charged.
We cannot operate optimally when our inner resources are not fully stocked.
So, what is the best way to keep your inner supplies stocked?
Go ahead, say it with me…
YES! SELF CARE!
Now more than ever, it is crucial that you learn how to:
Love all the Parts of yourself - put your own O2 mask on first;
Get comfortable with discomfort - be still, meditate, breathe consciously;
Have grace - for yourself and others;
Accept what you cannot change - change what you can;
Find a connection to something greater than yourself - nature, spirit, God, higher consciousness, your true self;
Listen for the small still voice within you - your intuition, it’s always there…
I know it is not easy, but it is possible to practice and build strong enough inner muscles to help you connect with joy and beauty and love more often than not.
I promise.
Connect with me and let me show you how.
