It’s been quite a week with the COVID19 pandemic in the headlines. So much going on. I know these are difficult times for many people. I also know this is the time for shifting our thinking. Carrying a positive outlook is more important now than at any other time.
I don’t know about you, but at times like these I can get lost in the shadows of my mind and that can be exhausting and non-productive.
When I hear the 2 sides of me going on and on with thoughts like: it’s gonna be alright…no it’s not…yes, it is…and so on, I stop whatever it is I’m doing. I close my eyes as I take a big deep breath and I become the observer of my inner conflict. An interesting place to be at.
A spot where there is no judgment, no opinion, I don’t take sides, I don’t agree nor disagree, no thinking (in a sense.) I simply observe as I become aware of my thoughts, my mind’s chatter. This is the first step of the process that can take me back to my “happy place” no matter what is going on outside of me.
Read on for the rest of the steps.
Mindfulness through self-reflection…
Self-reflection is an integral part of my daily life. One of the many benefits is that it helps me find peace when I get worried, scared, frustrated or even sad.
I’d like to share this process with you because it has helped me at times of personal crisis and emergencies. I recommend you give it a go, at the very least try it for size and wear it if it fits. Of course, you can always customize it to fit your style.
The 5 steps:
- Become aware of the feeling.
- Write it down.
- Define what you want.
- Brainstorm for ideas/ways/solutions.
- Set an action plan.
The 5 questions to get you started:
- What am I feeling?
- What is the problem?
- What do I want?
- What’s the best that could happen?
- How can I make it happen?
Simple thoughts, right?
Grab a pen and paper, choose a quiet spot and start writing. This is a winning way to create successful outcomes as long as you set time aside. Solitude is recommended though I think this will not be a problem at the moment. I urge you to make it a habit while we’re still in COVID19 downtime so that it becomes your default/automatic way of thinking by the time old routines come back.
The secret to success for this process is to ask questions…
If you find yourself getting stuck it’s because you’re blocking the flow by coming up with a statement. Maybe you’re thinking things like: “I can’t” “this wouldn’t work” or “I don’t know how.” If you are, it’s ok, don’t be hard on yourself. But you may want to change that. In this case scenario what needs to happen is a shift in your mindset. Position yourself in the land of possibilities and infinite probabilities. From this place, you can come up with unique ideas and effective strategies.
With time and practice, you will find this sequence of thinking to be your default. For me, it all happens in an instance, not because I don’t lose myself in negative thinking or worries and concerns but because I get me out of that spot quickly. With practice, you will too.
These are challenging times…
and we all need to contribute. Starting with the “man in the mirror” is the first step. Becoming the master of our mind and keeping our cool is the way through the crisis. It is also a way to help our family and friends.
Before I go I wanted to acknowledge the heroes of this battle. As the world and our country are grappling with COVID19 I am humbled by the bravery of health care workers. I am also deeply grateful for all the truck drivers out there who make sure we can have food on our tables.
Stay well!
