 Albert Einstein said, "No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it." So – if the problem at hand is getting stuck in patterns of negative thinking, then how can you begin to shift your consciousness (or awareness) to allow for a new, more balanced, experience?
First, let’s explore what ‘negative thinking’ actually means, and what it does to our brains...
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 Despite intentionally practicing radical self-love and self-compassion for a while now, I find myself from time to time dipping into some serious self-doubt, insecurity, and fear.
Lately, I’ve noticed more of a predictable pattern around these feelings: Fear usually comes around most strongly when I’m about to cross a new ‘frontier’ and push my comfort zone. It often makes a sneaky entry, and at first looks and feels a lot like excitement and enthusiasm.  Painting by Samanta WinstanleyWhen we read or talk about self-love, self-compassion, or self-acceptance, we’re often flooded with affirmations of how becoming more self-loving will transform us in countless positive ways. Life will feel easier, freer, smoother, and more joyful. Well, yes… but there’s often more to this adventure than first meets the heart and mind.
After I finished university I worked for a year with a group called the Oasis Society for Spiritual Health. Oasis works with people who are homeless and newly housed in downtown Victoria BC, and support people’s spiritual and human-connection needs by offering a space to gather, share from the heart in talking circles, and cook and eat together
Earlier this week I had coffee with a friend who was telling me about a relationship struggle he’s been experiencing. He expressed feelings of shame, anger, sadness, confusion, longing – all the emotions that usually accompany a broken heart. Ones that I am no stranger to, either. After chatting for a while, he asked me what I thought he should do to help him navigate these ‘messy emotions’.
I said, be gentle with yourself. What does that even mean? He replied. How do I do that? |
AuthorSarah Jarvis is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, psychotherapist, & teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion. This blog is a space to share practices, ideas, and experiences to heal, inspire, awaken, empower, and recognize ourselves in one another. Archives
March 2020
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