Overcoming Chaos with Mindfulness
“You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf.” -Jon Kabat Zinn
The waves in life are constant and we can always count on change. We may even get really good at surfing certain kinds and sizes of waves. And when we do, we may get excited to try out our skills on some bigger ones. We start feeling stronger and more skillful in our ability to stay above water in stressful moments that would have dragged us down months or years before. So we step it up, ramp it up, and take more risk on our quest to fulfilled living.
“Oh crap! That’s a big one. Um…maybe I should go back. Maybe I’m not ready.” Crash!!
It’s too late to go back to easier waves. Either you made a choice to grow, or life decided for you and sent you a tsunami. Either way, it’s time to get moving and learn from every misstep. It’s time to feel your way through fear and self-doubt, look for your path, and start moving toward it. It’s the only way to learn.
Smash! Another obstacle, another inner critic…maybe one you thought was long behind you…an insecurity from decades ago suddenly feels real again. Catch your breath. Relax, and let yourself rise to the surface of things. Regain some composure as quickly as you can and get ready for the next opportunity to succeed. Risk failure to live more deeply.
Put a smile on your face as you prepare for the waves of this moment. Remember the joy you get from learning and find the flow you discovered on those smaller waves. You decided to shine, to grow, and to risk the difficult moments. So go. Move forward and rediscover your balance in the chaos.
Rediscover yourself.
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Mindfulness is foundational in all of the services with Andrea Shipley. Whether you’re interested in counseling or lifestyle coaching, mindfulness will enrich your experience.
