If our brains weren’t getting in the way, our natural state would be peaceful.
So how do we tap into that natural state? Hint hint: Look at nature.
When I was spinning out of control, I was searching for a lifeline – anywhere. I recalled various meditation techniques and books I’d read which spoke of the power in visual images.
And so I got quiet, did some journaling, looked inside, and tried to remember what it was like to be strong and free. (even as debilitating as my anxiety was, in my core I knew that I was strong) And as I remembered, I waited for an image to arise.
The image that came was a flowing river. So I went with it. The next thoughts came naturally: My brain wants to interfere with my natural flow, but it can’t. The truth is, I have interacted with the social world for so many years that, habitually, intuitively, I know how to do it. There’s no stopping what IS. That is the power of a flowing river.
I visited this image over and over any time I was afraid I couldn’t do basic things. I let the river take over and voila, I WAS able to do those things, in spite of my mind.
My metaphor might not resonate with some people, but it did the trick for me. For some, maybe it’s a deeply rooted tree with branches that know how to bend and flow with the wind. Or maybe it’s the light of a star. Or the spirit of a jaguar. For me, the flow of the river gave me comfort.
In my next blog, I’ll go into more depths as to how I used “small steps” along with this centering metaphor to make my way out of darkness.