S2 Ep 15: Is The Ability to Choose Change a Superpower

The one and only constant in the entire universe is change Change can be glacially slow, distressingly swift, or it can be steady, visible, and equally inevitable. For good or ill, people change. However, some people work hard to remain as they have always been. Change might occur all around them, but they decide they will not be moved by it. They choose not to change. At the core of change for you, however, is choice. You can choose to change. Or not. Choosing change is a loaded concept One of the biggest issues with change comes down to control. And the biggest issue here is what you can, do, can’t, and don’t control. Often, you look at this, that, or the other person or thing and consider what you desire to change about it. But the trouble here is that it is not you. Meaning it’s outside of your control to change. All that you can change is in yourself. Who, what, where, how, and why you are can be examined, evaluated, analyzed, and then left to be or changed. Your inner, subconscious elements – habits, beliefs, and values – can be shifted and changed by you and you alone. And when all is said and done, that’s what you can change in this world. Anything and everything directly connected to you. And that’s all. Mindfulness for understanding The only person inside of your head, heart, and soul is you. You’re it. Nobody else thinks, feels, or experiences for you. Just you yourself. This begins via conscious awareness. Mindfulness. How this works is to be present, here and now, and ask questions such as, ·        What am I thinking? ·        What am I feeling? ·        How am I feeling? ·        What are my intentions? ·        What am I doing or not doing? These questions – and others like them – askes here and now, wholly in the present, make you consciously aware of yourself as you are in the only time that’s truly real – now. You can change yourself There are lots of things about this crazy world I’d love to change. But I can’t do anything about that. Neither can you. What CAN I change? Me. And to do that, I should work to be kinder, more compassionate, more empathetic, and more accountable for my thoughts, feelings, and actions. Because when all is said and done – I can only change myself. You can change yourself. Choosing to change is your superpower. And while there might be repercussions and unexpected consequences – in the end, you could develop a better, healthier relationship with yourself and the world around you. This week’s Applied Guidance for Mindfulness Tool: Is there a habit, belief, or value of yours that you desire to change? You can choose to actively work to do that – but it will take effort and time. First – write down what you desire to change. Belief, value, habit? Second – write down why you desire to change it. Third – Brainstorm what you can do to change it. Note – everything you think of that is outside your control, like other people, places, and things, should be discarded from this list. Fourth – Take 5 minutes to do some deep breathing, and ask yourself consciousness questions like, ·        What am I thinking? ·        What am I feeling? ·        How am I feeling? ·        What are my intentions? ·        What am I doing or not doing? Fifth – Once you’re present and mindful, look at your list of how to change what you desire to change it – and pick one action to take. Then take it. Repeat as necessary – often, change isn’t a one-and-done act.   Author Website: https://mjblehart.com Email: [email protected] Instagram Twitter Facebook Blogs: titaniumdon.com and mjblehart.medium.com Cover artist Fe Mahoney: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TaliasInspirations