We often limit our capacity to do great things through our fear of the unknown. But sometimes it’s okay to not know…
“We do not fear the unknown. We fear what we project into the unknown” – Teal Swan
When contemplating a future event, the unknown aspects seem to bring feelings of worry, confusion, or fear.
But what most people don’t understand is that they are innocently creating those feelings in the very act of “thinking” about the future.
Magical movie set
Our mind is like a magical movie set and can take us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions every time we get sucked into our thoughts.
Our habits of thinking have been shaped by our past experiences and influence the genre of movie scripts that run through our minds when anticipating the future.
Unresolved trauma
Those of us who have experienced a lot of adversity can feel a strong need to be in control when contemplating potential outcomes.
Uncertainty can bring feelings of dread as we have been conditioned to view the future through a negative lens.
Subconsciously we keep our mind and nervous system primed as we innocently rehearse tough emotions in preparation for further expected hardship.
Unessescary suffering
While some may believe there is an advantage in doing this, most likely the feared situation doesn’t turn out anywhere near as bad as our brilliant imagination can conjure up.
Our brain doesn’t know the difference between an imagined or real threat which means we often suffer unnecessarily.
And if the situation does go badly, we have effectively suffered it many times.
Both in our mind and then in the reality of it.
A new perspective
Gaining this new perspective means that when I notice myself getting agitated by my thinking about the future.
Instead of continuing to fill the gaps of the unknown with old thought patterns, I simply pause.
Coming back into awareness, my focus of attention softens.
As my mind slows down and the fraught sensations in my body begin to subside, I sink back into serene silence and stillness.
Know that this space of pure consciousness is available to all whenever you are willing to surrender to it.
Fresh thought
It is from this space of higher intelligence that fresh thought arises.
Either bringing creative insight as to what to do. Or the clarity to remember that it is okay to not know all of the details at this moment.
Trusting I will better know what to do as the situation unfolds.
All in the knowledge that no matter what, I am always okay.
The PAUSE effect
Pausing allows us an opportunity to reflect on our stories and to gain a new perspective.
Seeing beyond our wounds, assumptions, and unquestioned conditioning opens us up to new possibilities as we begin to break through our self-restraints.
Are you holding yourself back?
How many times have you stopped yourself from trying something new because your imagination came up with too many problematic or scary scenarios about how it might go.
Understandably, you may have developed a subconscious habit of being overly cautious having suffered a lot of adversity.
However, the habits of behaviour that kept you safe at a time when you needed them, are most likely holding you back now.
Pause and rest in the stillness
Making time to pause and rest in that space beyond the story of who you think you are, allows you to loosen your grip on any unhelpful coping strategies or over-protective behaviours you may be holding on to.
When you become conscious of what you are thinking, you can see through the narrative of your overprotective mind as you compassionately question and reflect on the truth of your safety at that moment.
Embrace your brilliance
Embrace your brilliance as you acknowledge the strength and resilience you have shown in all that you have come through so far.
We deal with changes and transitions constantly, and while there are many circumstances we don’t have control over, we can become more conscious of how we think and react to them.
Survival to thriving
As we step into a new year why not use it as an opportunity to rewrite your script.
Do what you feel inspired to do and when you catch yourself thinking your way out of it, remember to PAUSE.
Know and trust that you have everything you need within you to heal and to move out of the survival mindset.
Be playful in your desires as you sow the seeds for the life you wish to create, remembering that what you attend to, thrives.
You can read more about the benefits of the PAUSE here, https://angelamcevitt.com/the-pause-effect/
Thanks for reading.
Angela
Namaste- I honour the place in you, in which the entire universe resides. I honour the place in you, of love, of light, of truth, and of peace. And when you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us.