Powerful Changes, Smoother Sailing
September 3rd, 2009
WORD COUNT: 539 Short, Yet FLUID Words
TIME to SMOOTH SAILING: * About 5 Minutes *
What inspires you into right action? I’m not talking about the stuff that requires the use of will and discipline. I’m referring to the spark that moves you easily forward, with ease and grace.
Here’s the difference. When the will is required, there’s usually a “should” involved. For example, you may need to give yourself an extra nudge to get out of bed earlier than usual to go to the gym. You know on some level that regular exercise is good for you, and you may even feel good once you’re in motion. Often the spirit is willing, but embracing the new ritual requires extra effort and
discipline.
Then there are other changes that are almost effortless. For example, I quit smoking many years ago. One day I decided I’d had enough and threw away a full pack. That was it for me. That’s not to say that I didn’t have to deal with cravings every now and then. But when I look back, it was easily done compared to other changes I’ve adopted over the years.
What’s the difference? What makes something easy for someone and difficult for another? Why do some changes feel so natural, while others feel so much harder?
The answer rests in the heart. For it is our emotional readiness that makes action easy and effortless!
Emotions are energy in motion. When change feels hard that’s a sure sign that we’ve engaged the head, but the heart isn’t on board yet. There’s still an emotional attachment to the old behavior that we haven’t yet recognized or addressed. And so we feel that internal tug of war between the emotional and mental levels.
When we bridge the two, transformation becomes seamless. The key is to FEEL a stronger desire for change, one that’s more meaningful than our desire to stay where we are!
If you have a habit you’d like to adopt or change, but you heart’s not in it yet, take a few moments, and consider these questions.
1) Why do I want to adopt this new perspective or behavior?
2) Why do I NOT want to adopt this new perspective or behavior?
The answer to the second question tells you why you’re invested in your current behavior, and so honor that part of you. For it’s an aspect of yourself that wants to be heard.
3) If you want to commit to this change, build a bridge between the head and the heart! Transform your “should” to a “want to” by answering these questions.
–> Why do I really want this? How will I feel when I’ve embodied this new perspective or behavior? What are the positive aspects of this shift? How can I address my concerns about this change… so I feel good about it?
Once your heart is engaged, the transformation becomes graceful and smooth. Of course there will be effort involved, but the tug of war will cease. When your head and heart work together, you’ll feel the ease of harmony in motion.
So let your emotions carry you where you want to go! You’ll find it’s a much gentler and satisfying ride that pushing yourself into action.
Your friend and partner in happy sailing,
Copyright© Laura Cardone 2009. All Rights Reserved. This is a Daily Discovery Series edition. www.profitswithpurpose.com is for progressive thinkers, conscious creators and other adventurous souls who are just too marvelous for words!
