Earlier this month, I shared the story of the baby elephant finding itself stuck thinking it was too weak or small to leave captivity.  Did that story resonate with you in any way?  How about my story of personally feeling unworthy and then getting stuck in unhealthy patterns of accepting bad behavior that reinforced my “less-than” mindset?

I want you to begin to think about what unhealthy mindsets might exist for you.  These can be deeply ingrained and hard to see because you have been living in them for some time and they are “just the way it is.” 

Centering

To be able to tap into that deep sense of knowing that we all have, I want to start with you getting “centered” or “grounded”.  In other blogs, we have explored using our breath to help us connect our mind, body and spirit. 

·         To do this, take 3 deep, cleansing breaths. 

·         Take note of what you notice in your body, is there tension?  Is there anything you need to release to be present to this activity?

·         Does any insight come up for you as you settle in to give yourself the opportunity to explore mindsets?

Reflecting

If you have a journal or notepad, I would encourage you to capture words, thoughts, even images that come to mind for you.  What comes up for you when you read:

·         I must always:

·         I can never:

·         I am:

·         I should:

As you reflect on the thoughts, phrases, images, begin to evaluate them. 

·         What is the source for these mindsets?

·         What are the facts?

·         What is true?

·         Do these beliefs serve you?  How or how not?

Our first step in healing is to see and understand what “is”.  Seeing the mindsets that have developed through the years is a HUGE step of awareness and even awakening.  I have heard it compared to a fish becoming aware of the water that surrounds it in the fish tank.  Perhaps our water has become very murky and it is time to change it. 

The desire to change our mindsets comes by seeing that they are not working for us.  Perhaps by seeing that they are not based in fact or reality will also help you let go of them.  For the elephant, it needs to see that it is big, strong and capable of breaking the restraints.  For me, I needed to see that I was inherently worthy and deserved to be loved and treated well.

Next month we will continue to explore Claiming Your New Mindset and how you can move to a Life-Giving one!

’Awakening the Light’ was miraculous as it caused me to analyze my re-occurring body theme of anger leading me to ask, ‘Where does this come from?’  It was only through the reflection this book afforded, that I was able to connect the dots between my flashes of anger and unresolved self-hatred stemming from childhood neglect and attack at the hands of my family.  ~ Cathy

Awakening the Light: A Survivors to Thrivers Going-Forward Story is available through our book tab or by clicking here:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KK8YFDM

At Survivors to Thrivers, we are committed to encouraging and supporting you as you seek to embrace your healing and growth.  We would love to hear steps you have taken to heal yourself – mind, body, and spirit.  Please know we are here to cheer you on– every step of the way!