Escape the Drama!

Let me ask you something –
Who do you argue with the most?

I think I know the answer.
How? Because I think it’s the same for everyone.

I think it’s yourself.

You may not even realize it, but you might argue with yourself 50 times a day or more.

I’m going to the gym / You went last week, you’re tired, sit down.
Oh god I’m taking this donut / Don’t you dare take that donut, fatty.
That presentation went well / They were just being nice, you sucked.

These arguments are often harmless, but they can actually be quite harmful. Here’s why – We believe the things that we tell ourselves again and again.

There’s a tool that helps you step outside of those battles, observe them from an outsider’s perspective, and come to a conclusion from a place of calm reason.

It helped me get through the hardest time of my life – working in the ER during the Covid outbreak with a newborn preemie at home.

And it helps my clients break free from doubting themselves and getting stuck in all-or-nothing thinking.

I’m talking about meditation.

I know, I used to roll my eyes too. But once I gave it an honest try, it helped me realize that we don’t have to be victims of these battles in our minds.

When you’re lacking in motivation, self-control, or self-esteem, and your mind tries to fan the flames and get you all worked up and doubting yourself or being really hard on yourself, you can use meditation to put a stop to it. 

WHAT EXACTLY IS MEDITATION?
It’s not “emptying your mind” like many people think – it’s becoming aware of the thoughts you’re having without getting wrapped up in them. 

HOW DO WE DO IT? 
Set your alarm for 5 minutes. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus your attention on your breathing. As thoughts emerge, notice them and then let them go as you return your attention to your breath. Treat your thoughts like clouds passing by, always bringing your attention back from wandering.

Over time, you learn that you can be an onlooker, watching these thoughts occur, watching these debates unfold – and you can make a calm, reasonable decision about how to act. Instead of being pulled into this spiraling drama inside your mind, you can step out of it and say “hey… I’m doing that thing again where I put myself down.” And you can choose to let it go.  

Think of all the opportunities you could seize if your mind wasn’t constantly in your way!

Worth a try, right? Nothing to lose but 5 minutes….

If you want to try it with a little guidance, there are tons of free apps, like Insight Timer or Headspace.