Mindfulness or Mindlessness? You Choose!
There is a popular saying that goes “be careful what you wish for.” Why? Because you might actually get it. And “it” doesn’t always arrive as you expected it to, often upsetting a level of comfort you have grown accustomed to. Even if things have been uncomfortable, they are familiar. And there can be comfort in that familiarity.
Those of you who have worked with me or have been reading my musings for awhile may know that I don’t shy away from personal development. And there is something about the energy of this year to support forward motion that feels different than years past. It’s like a tipping point has been reached within the collective desire to shift into the next highest expression of ourselves and we’re pulling out all of the stops. I know that I am. And if you’re ready to climb the next wrung on your personal ladder to freedom, I’ve got a tip for you. Take a look at your mindsets.
So what exactly is a mindset? I think of it as a unique collection of ideas that each of us has adopted and told ourselves that’s the way it is. It’s been fascinating to see what is being revealed to me, personally, as I am exploring and questioning those ideas. Add to that a willingness to create space around what had been previously fixed and, wow, now that’s where the magic happens. So much has opened up for me around this exploration that I just had to share the concept with you.
The process is pretty simple. Just close your eyes, take some deep breaths and ask yourself what happens when you encounter a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Does it make you more resolved to deal with the challenges you are facing or do you wave the white flag and retreat for the sofa with a bowl full of snacks. I don’t think it’s strictly one way or the other. How we react to different circumstances can depend on what else is going on in our life at the time and how ready we are to deal with what’s coming up. I will tell you that food choices will either help to move the energy along or slow it down. There’s no judgment around that, but rather a way for you to observe what’s going on in your own life. More raw and living food = more forward movement. And sometimes we just need to slow things down and eat a baked potato or a bowl of lentil soup–my version of comfort food.
I saw a video the other day that really highlighted the idea of mindset in a very dramatic way. It was of a guy with no arms sitting on a chair out in the street playing a guitar with his feet. He was really good, too. And I couldn’t help but think, wow, now that’s a mindset to aspire to. It would have been very easy for him to say, well, I’ve got no arms so I’d better just get used to my limitations. But no. Instead, he faced his challenge head on, inspiring many people in the process.
Having the courage to speak out for what you believe in can be like that, too. What you have to say might make people feel uncomfortable, especially if they know deep down that what you are sharing is true, but it can feel overwhelming for them to embrace it.
So what do YOU do when you are faced with what feels like an insurmountable obstacle? How do you react? What story do you tell yourself? Begin paying attention to these situations in your own life and you may be surprised at how things will shift and open up for you. It’s going to be a major focus for me personally this year, and I’d love to have you share the journey with me.
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"Since your class, we've been eating raw and LOVING it! I spend half the time “cooking” and the food is so much fresher and tastier. I've already made the Pesto, Banana Bread, Flax Crackers, Almond Milk, and several other recipes in addition to straight away adding a dehydrator and spiralizer to my kitchen tools.
We've both come to the realization that the 30 second gratification of eating a burger doesn't come close to making up for the feeling afterward. Not to mention, we both agree we have not given up any taste what-so-ever and eating/“cooking” has become fun again (we're BOTH actually in the kitchen now at the same time).
...Thank you for such a wonderful class and for re-inspiring my husband and me."
—Teddy Sternagel
Issaquah, WA
"Few people are completely 'holistic' in their approach to healthy living. Madeline has combined many skills and a deep understanding of the nature of how we function and now adds raw 'food lifestyle' to her amazing repertoire to offer a truly 'holistic' approach to health and well-being."
— Eric Dowsett
Author
Workshop Leader
www.ericdowsett.com
