Pathway to a Gentle and Purposeful Existence: A 6-Step Guide
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Chapter 1: Embracing Mindfulness
Experiencing gentleness originates not from our thoughts but from our energy and presence in the moment. A significant barrier to treating ourselves kindly often stems from being ensnared in overthinking, which diverts us from truly feeling our emotions and staying grounded. Below, I outline a 6-step framework that begins to unfold as I become more aware of myself.
Step 1: Pause Mental Activity and Focus on Your Breath
The premise of the Matrix film series suggests that our reality might merely be a mental construct. This notion often takes hold when we neglect our breath. By concentrating on our breathing, we can directly connect with our existence in the present moment, enhancing our awareness.
Why does our mind race? Here are two primary reasons:
- Fear of Slowing Down or Resting: Being present allows for deeper rest. It becomes easier to recognize our fatigue and silence our overactive minds. What hinders you from granting yourself the necessary rest? What fears arise?
- Fear of Taking Action: If you envision yourself as a writer but haven’t established a writing routine, taking actionable steps can liberate your mind. Engaging in guided actions helps solidify your presence and moves you beyond mere daydreaming.
Step 2 and 3: Rest and Take Action
These steps emerge from reflecting on the previous two reasons for mental busyness. It's essential to slow down and rest when needed while also taking guided actions at appropriate times.
Step 4: Allow Yourself to Weep
Delving into deeper emotional layers may trigger the release of pent-up feelings. Confronting your fears could lead to tears. If you can cry, appreciate this emotional release. If the idea of crying brings shame, take the time to explore this feeling. Crying is a potent method for shedding old emotional burdens. If you struggle to weep, consider other means of emotional expression, such as journaling, drawing, dancing, or singing.
Step 5: Recognize the Expansiveness of Your Vision
Once you have:
- Cultivated presence
- Achieved a state of rest
- Followed your intuition through guided actions
- Allowed tears to flow as needed
You will gain clarity about your grand vision, which might initially seem overwhelming. Your mind may resist this vastness and urge you to retreat into busyness. Embrace your sacred presence and appreciate your expansive vision without escaping it. Continue to be present, rest when necessary, take action, and allow for emotional release.
Step 6: Shine Brightly and Connect
The enormity of your vision can uplift you, and sharing this joy with a supportive community amplifies its power. To find this community, stop hiding in your thoughts and share your vision and intentions openly. The more you express and embody your vision, the more you will attract those who resonate with it.
Following the Spiral
It’s remarkable to reflect on how I’ve navigated these six steps toward my vision of a gentler world. Even after completing the sixth step, I find myself revisiting these stages like a spiral. This framework for gentleness aids me in leading a purposeful life.
Initially, I hesitated to discuss the concept of gentleness for fear of ridicule. I began with the term "gentle" to describe my energy healing practice. As I wrote about energy healing, my focus shifted to the energy of gentleness and its multifaceted applications in life.
It is heartening to receive feedback from individuals inspired by my message of practicing gentleness through various mediums, including books, dance videos, mini-visualizations, articles, interviews, and publications. None of this would have materialized if I had remained trapped in my thoughts, disconnected from the life I cherish.
Thank you for taking the time to engage with this framework. I hope it serves as a valuable reminder to navigate these steps intentionally as you pursue a gentler, more fulfilling existence.
P.S. The inspiration for this framework arose from poems in my illustrated collection, From The Womb of Gentleness. If you enjoyed this article, consider acquiring a digital or paperback copy. Here are the titles of the poems included in this framework:
- Stop Moving
- Slow Down
- Trust
- Cry
- Ocean’s Wisdom
- Stay Bright
Thank you for your support :)
In Crafting Your Purpose with John Coleman, discover how to align your actions with your true purpose, fostering a deeper sense of fulfillment.
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