In today’s episode, we explore how we can self-sabotage in a way that looks like we are being productive, but we are actually avoiding the thing we desire to do most or the hard things we must do. 

This self-sabotage is often a sneaky way our brain and stress response thinks it is protecting us from something that may be new, uncomfortable, or scary but in reality, it prevents us from truly making the life changes we desire most.

In addition to working with your stress response so you can keep engaging in the transformational work that will make a difference or allow that dream you have had for a long time to become a reality, you can use a two-step process, similar to a mind map but taps into your body wisdom. 

The process is similar to a mind map but done in two different ways so you can get the benefit of both your thinking brain and the wisdom that our body and heart have to offer. 

To give this a try: 

• Grab two pieces of paper so you can compare and contrast what you’re finding 
• Then decide what your question is or what you would like to get clarity on, e.g. What next steps do I need to focus on in my business? 
• To start the exercise, draw a circle in the center of both papers. 
• At the top of the first paper write Mind Map and the second write Body Wisdom. 
• Then write your question in each circle. It should be the same for both.

Many of you have probably done a Mind map or a brain dump before, but essentially you want to take some time to write out all the things that come to mind around your question. Like spokes on a wheel that may start to look more like a web, write out everything that you have been thinking. 

• Once you feel complete with your brain dump take a moment to circle or highlight the top 3  things you want to focus on first, starting the number one if possible.
• After that, take a moment to get still and connect to your heart, gut, and the deeper knowing that you hold within your body. (It can be as simple as putting one hand on your heart, and one on your belly then breathing into those spaces until you feel the body start to soften.) 
• If you still are unsure of what may help you connect to your body wisdom, and would like more guidance I recommend you try the guided practice released on valentine’s day, episode 19, or the guided practice in episode 15 released on January 19th, or episode 5 which walks you through a simple Body Scan and was released on Nov 17th.
• Once you have completed your practice to help you connect to your heart and body wisdom go to the second paper, read the question and map out everything that is coming up for you from that space. 
• Once you feel complete, circle the one to five things that stand out as being most important. 
• Compare the two and reflect on the difference or the similarities and ask yourself again what you need to set or do as your number one priority. 

RESOURCES:

Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear

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Thank you for listening to the Striving From Stillness Podcast