From Within
Albert Einstein said: "A problem can't be solved from the same state of
mind that created it." Becoming aware of our thoughts
and how they impact our experiences in life is an important
step toward transforming the challenges we face.
A variety of studies have concluded that on average we
have between 12,500 and 60,000 thoughts per day. This
number varies based on the activity level of the individual.
More importantly, these studies also have concluded
that 80 percent to 98 percent of those thoughts
are repeated daily.
The habitual nature of our thoughts is what we need
to change if we are going to effectively deal with the
challenges in our lives. When we are mindful of the quality
of our thoughts, and challenge the thoughts that are
a result of limiting beliefs, we are better able to evaluate
and streamline our goals and determine what needs to
be done to see them through. Since our thoughts drive
our experiences, taking action without first being aware
of our thought patterns is like driving while blindfolded.
Awareness of thought is an inner navigation tool that
will never let you down.
Another source of internal guidance is your values.
When decisions need to be made, evaluate your choices
by examining whether they take you closer to or further
from your values. Your values will ground you and keep
you steady and strong as you navigate your course to
success and fulfillment.
Seeing Clearly
Clarifying your vision is equivalent to entering a destination
into MapQuest. How can you plan your route if
you're not specific about where you're going? Some people
might just want to deal with life as it comes, and this
approach can work. But, if you have specific goals you
would like to achieve, in all aspects of your life, bringing
a dream to reality requires you to see it clearly in your
mind first.
Allow your vision to grow a vivid life of its own in your
mind's eye. Incorporate all your senses as you formulate
your dream very specifically and with graphic detail. Notice
any thoughts that serve to shut your dream down.
Be aware of these thoughts and acknowledge that fear is
usually the root. In fact, fear can be the biggest obstacle
to our heart's desire. Look for the source of your fear
and work to gently move through these feelings, making
them a gateway for meaningful change.
As you begin to hone your vision of what you'd like
to accomplish or achieve, start putting your thoughts
in writing—the more detailed, the better. Thought leads
to action, and action leads to results. Putting pen to paper
is an action that safely moves your vision into the
physical and tangible. Does your vision bring you closer
to living an authentic life which honors your values, or
are there elements that need to be modified? When you
imagine yourself actually living in your vision, consider
not only what you see yourself doing, but also who you
see yourself being.
Before beginning your journey, be clear about your intention
and your motivation. If your motivation comes
from thinking what you should be doing or who you
should be as a person, then you're directing your energy
outward instead of looking within. Keep in mind that
anything created with pretense or disingenuous intent
won't last long and will not have the energy needed to
sustain forward progression. Your goals will require hard
work and commitment, and if you aren't prepared to
give 100 percent, you need to reflect on why and how
you might fully commit yourself to reaching your goal.
Transition and Transformation
Waiting for your hard work to yield appreciable results
is like waiting for seeds to take root and grow. There is
a time of invisible activity when it looks as if nothing
is happening, but in fact new life is preparing to break
through the hard shell and soil, headed for the sun.
For many, focusing on the external circumstances
feels more acceptable than tending to our internal wellbeing.
Sometimes this feeling involves cultural expectations
that seem to dictate external circumstances are
more important than personal growth. Be sure you don't
let this way of thinking prevent you from being clear
about what you want and who you want to be in life—
even when pursuing your goals seems daunting.
Consider your life transitions like the changing of
scenes in a play, where the curtain drops and all the
props on the stage are rearranged. You might have a period
of time that feels like darkness but is actually filled
with changes and adjustments that will prepare you for
whatever will follow.
During this time, try to think of what "props" and
players you want to remain and those you are willing
to let go. Ask yourself if you are honoring your values
in the relationships you have both personally and professionally.
Are there people you'd like to connect with
but haven't? Are there relationships you need to free
yourself from? Now is also the time to determine if your
financial house is in order, and if not, what you can do
to help the situation. (For more ideas about how to get
financially fit, see the Spring 2009 and Summer 2009
issues of Massage Therapy Journal).
As you think about all of the above, reach deep into
your conviction and determination, rallying the strength
to move past the doubt and fear. When you focus your
attention on the quality of your thoughts, you will naturally
tend toward quality actions.
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American Massage Therapy Association®
