Mindfulness Techniques for Fearless Living
There are innumerable sayings, of which getting out of your way is one that loosely implies its intent but leaves a lot to the imagination. Superficially, it makes sense, as many of us engage in counterintuitive habits to attain our goals, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find it’s a little more nuanced. Hence, getting out of our way can present a challenge if we don’t know how to block the flow of life (aka blocking our blessing). This post will explore the mindfulness practice of getting out of your way to do the things you may perceive as impossible.
So much of what we’ve been taught about goals has focused on doing more of what we already know how to do well. This often keeps us within a persistent loop (aka Groundhog Day), where we are bound to repeat the same habits and practices daily until we make an intentional change. Unless we boldly choose to do something completely new, we must continue going through the motions, taking the safe, familiar route to avoid stepping too far outside our comfort zone.
Every time we mix things up and upgrade our desires to go beyond the comforts of what we believe we are equipped to do, we instantly become engulfed with fear. This is not just your typical form of fear that calls you to step outside of your comfort; it’s the intense fear of the unknown that often scares the sh** out of us to the point where we do all we can to regain some semblance of comfort.
When we muster up the courage to venture into new things, we are instantly met with fear and uncertainty of the unknown. Where the unfamiliar resides, unpredictability, uncertainty, and fear are at the crux of the unknown. This invariability can take us into the downward-spiraling effects of fear, which most frequently presents as physical discomfort. As with any other form of discomfort, the natural response is for our physical bodies to tense up, causing discomfort.
Much like when we touch a hot stove, we instinctively withdraw our hands to alleviate the pain; this logic doesn’t exactly apply when conquering the unknown. As with most things, we can mask our true feelings until they become unbearable, as pain invariably pushes until a vision pulls us to take the first steps outside of our comfort zone. If we solely lean into what we confidently know we can achieve and the goals that are an extension of what we already know we can accomplish, we limit ourselves. Add something new that’s entirely outside the realm of the familiar, and the next thing you know, we are willing to embrace the unknown.
Thankfully, the only requirement to go after the big ideals when you have yet to learn where to start is to forget about the how and take the first step, fear and all. Fear is an interesting concept that we all experience. Invariably, we can each respond to it in one of two ways (F.E.A.R.), face everything and run, or false evidence appearing real.
Depending on one’s perception, its presence can immobilize and stop you in your tracks, making you unable to go beyond the discomfort, or it can inspire you to persist beyond any perceived obstacles. This goes against any S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) and every other strategic approach to actualizing your desires.
The problem is the more we ignore the desires of our hearts and continue to operate within our restricted comfort zone, the more likely we are to settle, subjecting ourselves to remain in a cycle of doing the things we dislike and, in some instances, have a complete disdain for. From staying in relationships that no longer serve to remain in jobs that spark no interest or joy, we subject ourselves to undue suffering.
Invariably, pain pushes until we are drawn to our innermost desires, an extension of our unique talents and gifts. When we have an open willingness to envision beyond our fear, it magnetically pulls us to a vision of a reality that allows us to express our unique talents and gifts fully. This vision can be more expansive than what we may outwardly deem possible. No matter how illogical or improbable a vision may outwardly seem, know that if you persist in the feeling of the dream fulfilled, you can achieve it.
When venturing to accomplish a goal ultimately outside your current reality, everything feels uncomfortable; it may feel that the bigger the venture, the more physical discomfort, so naturally, we try to avoid it at all costs. Only getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is the only growth path. Hence, we must invest time and effort to persist and grow through situations, circumstances, and new ventures to yield the fruits of our labor.
As spiritual beings having a human incarnation, we were already encoded with everything we could want, need, or desire to live an abundant and prosperous life. Likewise, we are each individualized expressions of the Divine, with unique talents and gifts. In other words, we all have the innate power and ability to actualize our desires; we need to recognize our power. Aside from the limits we place upon ourselves, there are no limits to what we can achieve.
Even if we do not know how to get it done or where to begin, as long as we have an unwavering desire, the universe will supply us with the ability to achieve it, regardless of where we come from, the odds against us, or any other fear-based belief, we have the ability and fortitude to achieve it, even if social norms and finances misalign with our intention.
Recognizing our innate power is the key to actualizing our potential. Notably, this is where the inner work comes into play. Outwardly, it seems simple enough; however, embarking on the journey to unlearn and shift some of the deep-seated beliefs that we have heavily relied on for so long takes consistent, concerted effort, which requires us to persistently practice, over and over again, until it gradually becomes more accessible and more manageable
. As with any new practice, some ups and downs and missteps will make it seem impossible; anytime you miss the mark, exercise grace and begin again as often as needed. Remember that persistent effort despite appearances is the key to success that will bear the fruit of your desires.
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