Who is walking who?

“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? 

• I have terrible balance. I always have and I always will.
• All those old foot injuries are coming back to haunt me.
• I really suck at this.
• This is so embarrassing.

or 


Do I get curious and/or kind with myself? 

• I wonder why my balance is off today? 
• Is there something I can do to improve my balance right now?
• Wow, what a great challenge to rise up towards!
• Good thing I’m in class working on getting better at this.

or


Do I find a way to be neutral if I can’t get to positive?

• Oh well, not every day will be a good balance day.
• I’m not the only one having a hard time with this.
• The most important thing is that I am here in class, doing my best.
• Just take a deep breath, this moment will pass.

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.