Can you recall a time when you were either avoiding a situation in your life or indulging in something to make yourself feel better?
Chances are we could all probably answer yes to either one of those questions. And, what's interesting is both of these can be present at the same time. When we're indulging, we're usually doing so to avoid a situation or feeling.
If we pay attention and be mindful at such times we can begin to see why we're indulging in a particular activity, which can help reflect what it is we're avoiding in our lives.
It's a bit of a paradox isn't it?
As humans, we've become masters at covering up what wants our attention. We stuff our feelings deep down inside hoping they will go away, but what tends to happen is all of these avoidances keep mounting up on top of each other. Then, one day, something happens that we can't control and we're broken wide open and the emotions start pouring out.
We have the ability to really look inside ourselves at any moment and see what keeps us in a place of avoiding or indulging, and then to set ourselves free of that.
Take the time to write down a list of the things you avoid or indulge in. Try not to think about it, just put whatever words come up and write them down. Don't edit the thoughts and tell the truth.
You may be surprised what shows up on that list, but you've made the first step by acknowledging them.
Over the next week, be mindful and pay attention to see if any of those feelings or situations you've been avoiding or indulging in show up more often than others. You might begin to notice a pattern and discover what is really the driving force underneath what you are avoiding or indulging.
And, in that moment of recognition, you have the ability to make a choice to stop the avoidance or the indulgence and simply be with what it is you are trying to cover up.
It's a very interesting process, for lack of a better word, and one that requires you to be truthful. Being aware and truthful can be the key to shifting the lifelong patterns you have carried for so long that no longer serve you.
Lorraine Wilson is a guest speaker, group facilitator and provides one-on-one mentoring for those who wish to live a mindful life. For more information visit www.keepinglifesimple.org.
