We need to feel autonomous and safe. This world of constant change can seem beyond our control, and can cause internal chaos, stress, and fear. Our challenges appear daunting, and we respond with a ‘back seat’ mentality.
We can always get back into the driving seat and, through the power of our choices, regain control of the direction in which the car is driving. We can take control of the steering wheel and redirect the Sat Nav to a destination more aligned with our life’s goals.
It’s vital we start with what we can control. When we take our awareness, energy, and attention away from the things we can’t control, and place them firmly on the things we can control, we move from disempowerment to empowerment. One of our most powerful choices is how we respond to life. We have little control over what happens in the outside world or how others behave, think, or act. However, at all times, we get to control our own response.
This week, let’s create that powerful space between stimulus and response. Before you react, stop to take a deep breath. Let’s consciously think about our response, and no matter what challenge you face, ask yourself the question, ‘What would I love to do?’ before you respond or reply.
Become more aware. Consciously move out of reaction mode, the conditioned reflex, and choose to move in to response mode, actively and consciously choosing your response. Let go of everything and everybody you can’t control, and firmly place your awareness, attention, and energy on the things you can control.
1. Meditate every day this week to cultivate awareness of your power of choice in the present moment. This practice will open your mind to becoming more aware of your daily choices, from the words you use to the thoughts you listen to, the places and spaces you give your energy to, the foods you consume, and the conversations you engage in. Doing this meditation daily allows you to sow the seeds for greater choice and alignment, and better outcome.
2. Imagine yourself standing at a crossroads with multiple paths ahead. Each path represents a different choice or action. Visualise the consequences and outcomes of each, and intuitively select the path that aligns with your values and goals.
3. Practice gratitude for how your choices shape your life and experiences. Celebrate the opportunities for growth and empowerment that come with each choice.
4. Before every response or choice you make this week, enter the space of silence. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and check in with yourself.
Scan your heart and listen to its whispers. Create a gap between the stimulus and the response. In this space lies all your wisdom and greatest lessons. Draw on your inner wisdom before replying, reacting, or making decisions and notice the difference in how you engage with people and yourself. Make a note of these moments and how they can shape your life positively.
Focus on creating gaps. Gaps can be made by simply pausing, taking a deep breath, saying a prayer, offering gratitude, placing your hands on your heart, closing your eyes, or moving to a different room or space. These gaps can help you become more aware of the gift that is your power of choice.
Consider a situation where you felt powerless or stuck. Acknowledge your power to choose your response or reaction.
Consider a goal or aspiration you have. How can you leverage your power of choice to move from a disempowered to an empowered state? (For example, shifting that inner critic to an inner coach, removing self-limiting negative narratives, moving your body, resetting and refreshing through breath work.) What small choices can you make daily to align with your desired outcomes?
Reflect on a challenging relationship or conflict you are currently facing. How can you exercise your power of choice to set boundaries, communicate effectively, or shift your perspective to promote healthy resolutions?