Blooming Out of the Muck and Mire – Mind, Body, and Spirit
Earlier in the month we learned from the lotus flower about transformation, strength, and inner beauty.
The seeds of authentic selves can take root and gather strength even in muck and mire.
Blooming from the Muck – Starting with our Minds
Our minds keep the specifics of those muck-laden experiences.
- These thoughts can become deeply ingrained in us until we see them with a new set of eyes.
- As we shine sunlight on these thoughts, they can transform from muck to nourishment for our growing selves.
- Brainstorm all those things that seem to keep you stuck. Aim to identify ten mindsets or experiences from the past that hold you back from the growth you want.
- Pick five of these limiting “mucky” thoughts to shine light upon.
- Ask yourself, is it true today? (some things may have happened in the past but have no bearing now)
- If it is not true, visualize that muck floating away, never clinging to you again.
- If it is true, reframe it into something positive.
- How could you turn the muck into fertile soil to grow your seeds of authentic self?
- How can it grow into a better understanding of yourself or the experience?
Blooming from the Muck – Moving to our Body
Visualization is a great way to help you better connect with your body.
Sit comfortably in a chair and take a deep breath to get yourself settled in this space.
- Scan your body starting at your head and flowing down through your shoulders, torso, legs, and feet noticing any tension, tightness, or stress.
- Sit with that noticing.
Visualize what your “muck” looks like.
- You just finished describing the experiences and thoughts that contribute to it.
- Now, consider what it looks like.
- How thick is it?
- What is the color?
- Can you feel the weight on you or around you?
- How does this inform what you need to do to grow into your authentic self?
Blooming with the Muck – Releasing from our Spirit
Breath is often a way to tap into our spirit.
- Take a deep, cleansing breath and hold it for three seconds before slowly releasing it.
- Breathe out slowly as you release the heaviness of the muck.
- Maybe see the color of the muck reflected in the air of your exhale.
- Breathe in the fortification that comes from the muck.
- Is there a color for this?
- Maybe the fortification is the strength you have gained as you persevered.
- Perhaps it is insights you have gained about yourself or others.
- Notice when your body relaxes with quiet energy. This is the “sunlight” that will help your seeds grow.
This is a practice you can do anytime you may notice “muckiness” in your body.
- Slow down to notice what is going on/what you are feeling,
- Be curious about what this sensation and awareness may be connected to,
- Settle your spirit with your breath. If you have a faith practice, this is when you can invite the Divine Spirit to be with you.
- Breathe in what you wish to claim (peace, strength, calm, etc.), and breathe out what you wish to release (judgment, resentment, shame, etc.).
- Spend five minutes breathing your words in and out.
Remember, at Survivors to Thrivers, we are committed to journeying with you on your path to healing and growth. We would love to hear from you. Meanwhile, know that we are cheering you along the way!
If you would like to learn more about the mind, body, spirit connections, here is a link to an interesting article:
https://chopra.com/articles/mind-body-connection-understanding-the-psycho-emotional-roots-of-disease
Talk To Tambry
I am glad you have taken the time to engage with this blog. Sometimes it is helpful to process new insights that emerge. If you would appreciate brief time with a someone who understands, our Talk to Tambry offering is for you. For 30 minutes, you can receive support from Tambry who is a certified life coach, spiritual director and a survivor who has been on the journey as well. This is offered at a reduced rate of $50.
