Do you waste time and energy worrying about things that likely will never happen?
Our minds can often be unfriendly companions.
Unfortunately, many of us waste valuable energy criticizing ourselves by dwelling on past mistakes, failures, or regrets. These thoughts consume us and make it difficult to be fully present in the moment, detaching us from our bodies.
To avoid facing uncomfortable emotions, we may unknowingly escape into our thoughts rather than confront our feelings.
When life gets chaotic, we often operate on autopilot, going through the motions without truly being engaged.
This disconnected state leaves our nervous system in disarray. Constant worrying, excessive thinking, and anxiety occur when our thoughts trigger a heightened stress response in our bodies.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls the functions of our body without conscious effort. It operates in two modes: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which activates action and alertness like pressing the gas pedal, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which promotes relaxation and recovery, acting as the brake.
Think of our body as a car. When the SNS is in control, it's like our inner child is driving, speeding up, wide-eyed, and focused on immediate tasks, making it quite a thrilling ride. Meanwhile, our soul sits in the backseat, navigating through the busyness of life.
In contrast, when the PNS takes over, it gently applies the brakes. The car slows down, heart rate decreases, and our inner child relaxes. Now, our soul can calmly observe the journey from the backseat, smoothly navigating the traffic of daily life with a sense of balance and harmony.
Maintaining a balance between these systems is essential for a well-regulated and pleasant ride.
We’ve all been through a lot in the last few years, and if you’re like me, you’re tired of the constant conflict and desire a calmer and more peaceful journey through life.
However, there will always be people who navigate life with their inner child behind the wheel, operating with an unregulated state of mind. Despite their disruptive and imbalanced behavior, we still must share the road and interact with them. It can be mentally and emotionally draining and leave your tank empty. It may seem easier to give in, bend to their will, and give them the right of way, but that often means we must suppress or compromise ourselves to maintain the peace.
It’s more important than ever to stay true to ourselves as we enter 2024.
We must find the strength to stand up for ourselves and stay on our path without letting fear disconnect us from our truth. Allowing the behavior of an emotionally sensitive person to disrupt our peace is an adaptation response to feeling unsafe.
I spent years adapting myself and acquiescing to others, but it came at a significant cost to my desires and well-being. I was driving through life with my scared inner child behind the wheel.
I’ve learned that by using techniques to calm my nervous system, I can assert myself and speak the truth. I no longer compromise my mental and physical health by suppressing my emotions to keep the peace.
Sometimes it’s best to exit quickly from volatile situations, but for the long run, it’s important to have calm and honest conversations, especially with those close to us.
Let’s commit to building a beautiful inner world rather than relying on the external world to dictate how we feel.
Meditation and connecting the mind and body through our breath lets us cultivate a strong relationship and connection with our soul.
It’s training for the brain, like going to the gym to pump up our muscles. Maintaining a daily practice helps us feel balanced and calm when we need it the most.
There are many mindfulness and cognitive behavioral tools to choose from that help to regulate our nervous systems. It’s best to find the tools that work best for you.
I wish you the gift of a peaceful inner world for this holiday season and the new year!
