for the past few weeks we have been exploring AWARENESS, the first essential element of THE ARRIVAL (my personal philosophy and retreat theme). so far we’ve covered the importance of the first three steps — curiosity, observation, and possibility.
today we’ll take a look at the fourth and final step » patterns.
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self-awareness is a way to rediscover who you are by unveiling your perceptions, beliefs, and motivations (many of which may be outdated, no longer useful, perhaps even incorrect).
anxiety and uncertainty may arise, even resistance at first, when you explore letting go of your previously unexamined assumptions and patterns while reclaiming your essence through mindfulness. although this experimentation can sometimes feel overwhelming, i guarantee it will increase your emotional flexibility.
you can begin by answering such questions as:
“why do i do that?”
“what is this doing for me?”
“how is that serving me?”
being ultra-aware of what triggers or stimulates you translates into being a happier and healthier individual, one who makes decisions consciously and highlights mindful choice in every situation. once you’ve developed this new routine, really familiarized yourself with it, you’ll be better able to handle any subsequent turbulence on your journey to a bold free new life. awareness opens the door to change.
maybe you can try this mantra on for size: “i will stay fully engaged in my surroundings. i will live each moment with wonder. i will be open to new experiences, even when it feels uncomfortable. i will embrace the unknown and incorporate it into my framework.”
S-T-R-E-T-C-H your L-I-F-E. make it better. make it matter.
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today’s invitation . . . when you become more aware of your patterns, you put one foot forward and face your reality. and at the beginning of your journey, that’s enough. so fasten your seat belt, trust yourself, and get ready to take off!
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activity #1-4: S.T.O.P.
here is a 12-step method that i developed many years ago, designed to disarm any highly emotional episode that may interfere with or derail your progress.
S
1. SELF-CARE
soothe yourself in healthy ways
2. STILLNESS
breathe to retain inner calm
3. STRENGTHS
identify the various ways you’ve been strong in the past
T
4. THOUGHTS
reframe self-defeating beliefs into self-affirming ones
5. TRUTH
adhere to an honest and realistic view of your circumstances
6. TRUST
rely on your integrity and ability to see you through
O
7. OBSERVATION
notice details and nuances, strive for mindful awareness
8. OPENNESS
attend to your inner feelings without judgment
9. OWNERSHIP
become the master of your thoughts, actions, life
P
10. POTENTIAL
allow solutions to develop, imagine what is possible
11. PROGRESS
initiate the necessary next steps, recognize and reward small successes
12. PRODUCTIVITY
encourage forward movement and resolution
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i’ve personally used this method, and have also shared it with many clients. it works.
so the next time you’re confronted with a stressful event? simply S.T.O.P.
work through the 12 steps in your mind or on paper. defuse the difficulty and regain your momentum, creating new patterns.
again:
S = Self-care. Stillness. Strengths.
T = Thoughts. Truth. Trust.
O = Observation. Openness. Ownership.
P = Potential. Progress. Productivity.
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congratulations!
you’ve worked through essential element #1. you’ve adopted an enhanced ritual of awareness.