Friday, May 20, 2016

Your Body Speaks Your Mind

Your Body Speaks Your Mind
See http://www.edanddebshapiro.com/your-body-speaks-your-mind/ 
and the book, The Body Keeps the Score

More often that we are aware, our bodies are the first the register information in our life experiences. Below are simple steps to help you begin to facilitate a more friendly, compassionate relationship with your body so you have greater access to its wisdom.

1. Where in the body do you FEEL (sense) what is happening?

2. Begin to identify WHAT the sensation is.
It could be discomfort or anxiety or fear, or tiredness and drained.

3. What does this sensation remind you of?
If nothing comes up, just go to the next step. Maybe something will come to mind later.

4. Let your body know you hear it. (You're developing a friendly relationship, right!?)
It can be a simple, "I hear you."
Or maybe something like, "Thanks for letting me know. I'm handling it now."
Or a comforting statement like, "It's ok to remember the past. It's useful information for now."

5A. Ask yourself, "What do I need now?"
What's the bottom line about what's happening?
Maybe it's about having different expectations than others that need to be clarified.
Perhaps there's a "disconnect" happening: within yourself or within a relationship.

THEN (try "Shake it Off")

5 B. Ask, "Do I really need it NOW?"
Sometimes it FEELS like it's urgent, but maybe it's possible to wait a bit.

THEN

5 C. What else can I do? (If I can't get the need met.)
Try writing/journaling, or moving your body to music, or DO NOTHING.

Notice what happens to your body and the situation as you work through this process.
(Let me know how it goes!)

Monday, May 2, 2016

Practice Until You Become It

Practice Until You Become It
Known by others as "Fake It 'Til you Make It"


When we begin something new -- whether it's a new way of doing a task or applying a new skill or tool -- there's often a part of us that resists the process.

Its said that experts in their field practice for some-odd 1000 hours to become good. (And if you're like me, that'll be like a gauntlet, tossed to challenge me to doing it in less time!) 

The truth is, when you think back on those activities you've done well, it has taken a whole lot of effort. Maybe you even had fun or a got a few scrapes learning to ride a bike?

Personal transformation is no different. 

Understand that for each of the strategies in this Toolkit for Transformation deck may need some practice on your part before it's something you'll integrate into your own regular routine.

So, practice, practice, practice until you become it and IT becomes you!