My car was recently in the shop. I had a rental car that was a newer model. Whenever I drive newer cars, I always find their new technology interesting and fun.
The truth is, so much of my personal growth has been about gaining a new mindset while operating the same vehicle (the body is the vehicle for the soul, per Jewish teachings I’ve learned).
I was fortunate to take a meditation class recently with Juniper McKelvie. She reminded me that the way to changing the mind is not through the mind, but through the body. She reiterated the fact that peace is within me, and each and every one of us—we just have to quiet the noise, the unsettledness, and access the stillness within.
Since my birth, I have had life experiences, which have led to my cultivating certain habitual ways of thinking, learning, feeling, and behaving. Habitual patterns are really hard to change. I can be really hard on myself when I fall into habitual patterns, having in recent years learned a more peaceful, constructive, and happy way to live. That frustration hurts. I’m working on increasing my patience with the process and being less frustrated.
I now more deeply understand that a simple intellectual clarification doesn’t equate to an automatic change in my thinking, learning, feeling, and behaving. I’ve understood this idea intellectually for a while, but I didn’t internalize it deeply enough, cuz I was still frustrated with myself. I hope my deeper understanding of it now, gives me greater compassion and patience for my process of growth in this area. I believe it has.
We are about to enter a New Year!
We are in the same body, yes, but our technology has been updated—we have tools and resources that we didn’t always have. The modern world can be quite challenging with the inundation of media, social media, etc. It can be hard to tap into that deeper stillness within ourselves. Yet since the modern world evolves fast, the access we have to information that enhances our self-awareness and personal growth is also growing at lightning speed.
What do you want to become?
What do you feel yourself growing into?
What tools and resources can help you get there?
What ways of being no longer serve your current self?
Perhaps they helped you get through a certain period of your life, but are no longer serving you in what you are growing into?
In this New Year, we are invited to say “Yes” to a more whole, authentic version of ourselves.
Doing so upon the foundation of mindful self-compassion. Understanding that implementing new ways takes time, so striving to be patient and loving toward ourselves in this process.
Resources:
New Year, New Mindset online event today at 3 pm EST with Juniper McKelvie. More about Juniper here.
The Holistic Psychologist—for quick reminders, her Instagram posts are great! @the.holistic.psychologist
Gila Health and Wellness, LLC provides whole-person counseling for how to nourish your body and mind! Topics are customized to the individual and may include areas such as nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, self-care, and cultivating creativity. Email: Gila@gilahealthandwellness.com. More info here.
I love that idea that we cement our thoughts through our bodies by talking action. Powerful.