What Do You Think?

I bet your mind is constantly working...I know mine is! Our minds    are meant to think...and think, and think. Back in the day it kept us from getting eaten by monstrous wild animals!

But we don't need to be in survival mode any longer (I know, sometimes just grocery shopping feels like an act of survival).

Our thoughts often feel uncontrollable, random, and surprising (where did that come from all these years later?) but trust me, our minds CAN be redirected, and more importantly, need to be.

I'm not talking about clearing the mind or avoiding thoughts that pop in, that's virtually impossible.
But thoughts do trigger emotions, and those emotions have a profound effect on our mental, physical and spiritual well-being, both positively and negatively.

We can't control when a thought arrives (and sometimes they are truly inspiring, so notice them!), but we can decide- purposely choose- where to direct our focus.
We can choose to hop off the hamster wheel at any time.

Here are some tricks I use for myself and my clients when a thought or a memory starts circling in the brain, evoking strong emotions:

~Ask yourself, "Is this something I need to address?" meaning, is there an action or apology that needs to occur?
~If yes, consider how and when to take such action.
~If no, then acknowledge the emotion around it: "Wow, that was a sad moment," or "I regret that decision now."
(We are so wired to recall the uncomfortable or lower frequency emotions (survival mode) that those become the frequent flyers).

If and when that thought continues, redirect yourself with something from your toolbox.
Your toolbox is a collection of activities designed by you that will distract you from the circling thoughts:

~A playlist
~Exercise or a walk
~Meditation/prayer
~Chatting with an uplifting friend who can help put that emotion into perspective
~Working
~A fun movie
~Cooking
~Dancing
~Reading
~Volunteering
~Organizing/decluttering
~Creating ANYTHING
~Time with pets

Put that survival thought in its place. If it's not there to give you an action, then it's not worth spending any more emotional energy on it. Sometimes it takes a bit of practice, and that's ok, be gentle with yourself. But habits can be broken, and this one is freeing!

Our job now is to move forward uncovering our health, purpose, connections, strength, passion and loves, and not spend any more time than necessary in survival thoughts.

If you need support evolving with the energy of the times, please reach out, it's my life's work!
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With much love as we do this together,

Carrie
Intuitive Reiki Master/Teacher, "Body, Mind, Soul" Coach

(Disclaimer: I am not a licensed therapist. If you find yourself in a debilitating state or suffering from trauma, please seek supportive guidance).

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