Sometimes new things, big or small changes and even learning a new thought process is scary and frustrating. I recently came across some great advice……
‘The more you can stay present during uncertainty, the more you can let the change process happen naturally and effectively.’
Being a person who likes to constantly initiate change for the better I’ve recently found myself getting anxious accompanied by some rather intense stomach aches. I haven’t had stomach aches like this in about 7mos. (since becoming serious about a gluten free diet). The more I probed to try and figure out what was going on I came across an article in Yoga Journal on change. It made me realize a few things. I have started many new things in life these past 6mos. I lost my 4th mortgage job and decided to change my entire career course. I’ve immersed myself in the Yoga world and although I’ve practiced Yoga 11yrs…teaching it has truly only been less than 1yr. I came to the conclusion that not only have I not been acknowledging the amount of growth I’ve been going through, I’ve been holding myself to a VERY high standard. Always aiming to be the best at what you do, I believe, is a good quality! But, giving yourself the credit you deserve is even more important. I realized I can’t expect to be somewhere until I’ve taken the appropriate steps to get there! I realized that beginning things that are unfamiliar takes alot of courage and remembering to give myself credit for ALL of my accomplishments, especially the the little ones that tend to get overlooked, takes even more courage and presence. Sometimes we forget to stay present. In doing this I was holding some serious tension in my stomach. Just the realization of it helped me to let it go!
Take the steps toward recognizing yourself today:
1. Find a way to get grounded & present. Exercise. Go for a walk outside. Walk barefoot in the grass. Do some standing Yoga postures! 🙂 Observe your thoughts without judgement and recognize where they come from. Then realize they are just thoughts and you CAN begin to change them.
2. Try not to compare yourself to others. They are them and you are you. Remind yourself that who you are is just is important as who they are. You are perfect exactly the way you are right now!
3. Give yourself credit for who you are and what you’ve done. Notice your successes, no matter how small, and celebrate them! Treat yourself. Do something to reward yourself and feel the accomplishment.
4. Meditate. Try a meditation where you just stare off into the blue sky.
Click on the photo below to take you to a site with meditation ideas!
5. Lastly, don’t try to please everyone else just to make sure they aren’t upset. (this one can be challenging if you are a people pleaser like myself) What is most important is your happiness. Do what feels right for you. Follow YOUR own heart. Worry not about betraying others and more about betraying yourself.
Remember: Abhyasa-Steady effort in the direction you wish to go!