Authenticity Letter
Automatic responses, knee-jerk reactions.
We all sense it when we fly into a situation or conversation, or when we abruptly exit.
Please note: there is nothing wrong with this. It is not about 'wrong' or 'right'. It is about choices and consequences.
Having choices is what helps us free up, supports us in our personal and professional growth. Freeing up starts with raising your awareness to these re-actions.
Life becomes far more interesting, effortless and joyful when you can be in touch with yourself and in touch with your surroundings at the same time.
Generally we act from three positions:
1. Attached: high emotions such as aggression or grief, behavior patterns such as defensiveness or over-assertiveness
2. Detached: high emotions such as despair and feeling overwhelmed, behavior patterns such as isolating yourself from the conversation or situation, avoiding, checking-out
3. Open: present and empathic for yourself and the Others, behavior patterns such as being creative, open-minded and assertive.
See whether you can raise your awareness this weekend and week:
- am I in my 'ready, aim, shoot!'-mode
- or am I observing, choosing and then... acting (by not acting as a serious possibility)
Why would you observe yourself in this manner?
Observing yourself gives you an opportunity to do 90% of the work in terms of professional and personal growth, i.e.: not getting angry because of feeling angry, not getting upset because of feeling upset, not being sad because of feeling sad.
It helps to remind yourself that you are always something far bigger, beyond whatever is making you attach or detach. You can get back into the open position, always, if necessary a 100 times per day (or hour).
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Anna
Please share this letter with whomever you feel you should be sharing this letter with. Sharing widely is greatly appreciated.
|
|
