thoughts on challenge

​Where does the mind go when challenge arises. My knee jerk reaction? It goes to panic, worry, self-victimization, need for validation and justification. All these things draining energy. Suffocating the prana. It’s stifling. It’s heavy. 
The more I practice (mindfulness, meditation, being still, moving with intention, breathing, turning inward..all forms of yoga) the more I begin from a place of stillness and emptiness, the more I notice just how debilitating these reactions are. The havoc they wreak on my mind, body and soul feels almost palpable. 
I instead work towards lesson. When I feel challenged, there is something to discover. It’s like a meal that needs that bit of something else to make it complete, whether that’s letting go, putting in more effort, accepting and allowing, changing perspective. Sticking with the analogy, growing from a cook of the mind to a master chef of the mind. Knowing the ingredients I’m working with (thoughts, feelings, emotions) and how to use them to up my quality of life experiences. I choose each experience I have. I may not choose the things that happen around me, but I have complete ownership of the way I handle what comes at me…and it’s FOR SURE not always perfect, and that’s fine, but there’s no room for blame anymore. Growing up isn’t getting older, it’s accepting that where you are right now, physically, mentally and emotionally is because of YOU. There is deep freedom in that acceptance, and the realization that you can cook up WHATEVER deliciousness you like :)

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