How to Release Old Patterns of Thought
It is the first day of autumn officially where I live. For me, this time always reflects change. Letting go of things. Making room for growth. All before the end of the year. I know that I have lofty goals, but there’s something about watching the trees shed their leaves that really reminds me of the work I have to do on the inside to stay healthy on the outside as well.
In order to find balance, we have to be ready to do the work. We have been holding onto fears, worries and troubles from our past for far too long.
You leave old habits behind by starting out with the thought, ‘I release the need for this in my life’. ~Wayne Dyer
How did I start releasing what was not serving me?
The first step was to continue speaking it out loud. You don’t have to tell a room full of people; however, a trusted friend, therapist or counselor will work. I had to put a name to the emotion I was feeling and that feeling was still grief. After all these years. It was time to let go just a little, and step into healing. So as you begin to let go of this feeling, remember that whatever it was meant to teach you at the time, is long gone by now and we don’t have to stay in that place forever.
The second step for me is to write it down. It can be in your journal, or as a letter to the universe. It can be a prayer, or it can be on slips of paper you burn. Whatever you feel called to do, but write the truth. I know someone who once said to me that this was the hardest part of her healing journey. So close your eyes and think of the people, events, setting, or whatever it is that you are trying to release. Write down the feelings that are caught up in this thing. Then let it go. Don’t think on it any longer after you have gotten it out. If you are afraid you will dwell on it, burn it! You know, in a safe way that doesn’t catch anything on fire.
The last step is wiping the slate clean. A nice clean chalkboard. As a teacher, I would make sure there was not a hint of old chalk from yesterday as I wrote the next day’s lesson on the board. I loved a clean board. Visualize that whatever pain you had is truly released and washed away. Here is where I want to point out that if you are blaming others for something, let it go.
My lesson is on releasing the people who I have clearly seen lying. Apparently, I am really supposed to let this one go. I learned people are definitely covering up for something when they lie, but it has nothing to do with me. I decided to shift my perspective to one of gratitude. I am thankful I don’t have to lie about who I am to feel satisfied in my life. I am thankful I don’t have to lie to my husband, or my friends to feel liked. I see no purpose in it, but clearly it is a defense mechanism for others.
By transforming old patterns of my mind, and bringing my attention to the present moment, I am letting go of things I don’t want to carry forward with me into the next season.
End Your Day With Mindfulness
This one is actually quite difficult for most people to do, but put the phones away. Turn them off. Hide them if you must. Sit at the table and practice eating mindfully. As we connect to slowing down from our day, take a moment to notice the food. The taste. The color. The time it took to prepare. Be present as you sit and eat; furthermore, see if you can engage the senses as you bite, smell, and savor the taste. Be present in your thoughts as you end the day. Let go of anything you don’t want to take with you for the next day. Continue this practice daily and you will see an improvement in your mood as well.
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