 “Are you walking the dog, or is the dog walking you?”
I used to have a yoga teacher that would often ask us that question in class. Of course, he was really asking how our mind management was going. Asking myself that question usually makes me laugh at myself a little, and then get back on track if I am getting into negative thought patterns or nasty self-talk. Try it! What comes up? There are lots of different ways to approach this topic, but I am going to try to break it down just like I would for myself (self-coaching) or with a life coaching client. Mind management means that we are managing our thought patterns consciously, feeling our feelings, and working on re-training any old thought patterns that no longer serve us. Our thoughts create our feelings, which drive our actions (or lack thereof.) Those actions determine our results, or next set of circumstances. If we break that down a little or make it really practical, it is when we attach a thought or determination to anything that usually leads us into how we feel. For example, if I am back in that yoga class and I am finding balancing on one foot challenging that day I have a myriad of thoughts that could come along. Do I unconsciously let the negative lead me into a nasty place I don’t want to be?
or Do I get curious and/or kind with myself?
or Do I find a way to be neutral if I can’t get to positive?
Do you see how this approach can be applied to most areas of our lives? I suggest trying to be aware of your thought choices and their effects for a few days. You may even want to journal or take some quick notes about what you are noticing. It can be really eye opening and life changing. Do you feel like you need some help with your mind management, thought patterns, and self talk? Click here to connect with me. I offer everyone a free introductory life coaching session. It gives you a feel for what the process is like and if we might be a good fit.
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 Did you know that actively practicing gratitude literally rewires your brain to default to positive thinking? There are are many ways to cultivate and express gratitude. A few of the simplest that come to my mind are:
- a gratitude jar - journaling - sharing 3 reasons you are grateful with a loved one - meditation (breathing and immersing yourself in feelings of gratitude for a few minutes) You can also make up your own way to recognize and honor feelings of gratitude. Can you pick one that you can commit to doing every day for 2 weeks? I encourage you to try it, as you begin to feel the positive feedback it will help keep you motivated. I would suggest that you keep it simple & practical, and to be really honest about what you can feasibly do every day in order to set yourself up for success rather than failure. Want more info? Check out this podcast with UJ Ramdas. (click here) Read this post that suggest 11 ways to build gratitude . (click here) Need some help getting going or interested in Bulletproof Life Coaching? Contact me for a complimentary first session at [email protected] or 602-614-0675. |