“Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in our thoughts that we wind up going round and round in circles, finding it difficult to concentrate on things and, because we are so distracted, not really accomplishing much.”
http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2010/25031.html
“Have you been so focused on something that it seems to occupy your entire brain? Then there seems like there’s no room in your head for any other ideas or thoughts? Are you feeling a bit uptight or worried about how to do what you need to do accomplish? Do these thoughts keep you up or wake you up at night? Do you find it’s hard to concentrate on other things? You may even find yourself drifting off during other conversations. You’re mind is full trying to figure out how to get what you need done, how to come up with ideas for a new project or how to arrange your fall schedule balancing work and the responsibilities of your family. If you said yes to most of these questions above you’re being held hostage by your thoughts. When you are held hostage you don’t have the freedom to explore other ideas and opportunities, only the same old ones that are right there in front of your face. So how do you break out of the cycle of repetitive thoughts or worries that keep you confined? As I have been very focused on expanding my business, I have noticed it has helped letting go of the worry about how it will totally unfold. Giving myself freedom from worry by taking breaks and focusing on other things has helped me notice and be aware of new ideas. This morning I realized I needed to write my ezine. Even though I wanted to start on it, I just didn’t feel inspired. I noticed when I opened up my computer that the many icons on my desktop were blocking the picture on my screen. I took a short break from thinking about my ezine and re-arranged the ions and cleaned up the desktop. Next, I opened up my email and I took the time read the Daily Om (I don’t always read them). The answer came to me quickly on what to write about! These short “breaks” from my brain in hostage-mode about the ezine gave me the perfect validation for how I had been working on my business and gave me idea for this blog.
In this Daily Om they suggest you give yourself a gift – you probably guessed it – to step away from your worry or project. Doing this “lessens the load“. I know what you’re thinking. The problem will still be there, I still have to figure this out. That’s true, however, what comes from stepping back is the gift of answers you are looking for as you create the space to hear or see them. Your body relaxes and your mind is more open and receptive. No one is saying to ignore the deadline or not take care of your responsibilities – just take a break.
One blogger on Daily Om said it so well, “It is around 1:41 am. I am wide awake as thoughts at what happened at my office today are driving me crazy. I get up and switch on my computer, enter my email address and password. There I am looking at this Daily OM email: Taking a Break from What You are Doing. Terrific. Exactly what I needed and exactly at the right moment. I read it and am amazed. Suddenly I feel less tense. There is a sense that the Universe is communicating with me and is trying to help me.” ~ http://www.dailyom.com
The idea is to give yourself a mini vacation from the planning or the worry. “By stepping away from the problems that seem to saturate our thoughts, we lessen the weight of our troubles and instead become more receptive to the wisdom and answers the universe has to offer us”. http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2010/25031.html
3 Steps to Release the Hostage to Get the Gifts
- Consciously take a mind vacation from your project or worries (even if it’s just on the way to the car or a trip to the bathroom). Just switch the station on your thoughts – think of something else or something you love or enjoy
- Take a mini yoga break, walk, read a book, switch to another activity and monitor your thoughts on “vacation mode” from the project or worries
- Put your focus on what you are doing when you are in the shower, shaving or drying your hair or and watch the creative ideas pour in
Free and on a thought-vacation at least for a little while,
Bonnie
Hi Bonnie, Thanks for the words…my boyfriend and I broke up and it’s on my mind alot. Waking me up many times at night, getting myself sick. It really sucks. But I know I can get over this, it’s just hard breaking up and all the feelings you feel come to a head. I have alot of good things going on in my life. My daughter is going to have a baby in October a little girl and we need to get ready for that. I have been sick with the flu for three weeks and no I need to work. So..I just need to take charge. Hope you are fine and talk to you soon. Darla
Hi Darla,
I am so glad the words helped ease your heart ache abit. Ending relationships can sometimes have the power to overtake our minds, body and heart leaving little room for anything else except anger and grief. I am so happy you are turning your attention to your sweet daughter and new baby. Then take some time to be gentle with yourself. Take care of yourself both your body and mind. The mind thoughts are those of blame, shame and anger let them go. Write or a great site for forgiving others or yourself when you are ready is Radicalforgiveness.com (free online tools) Taking a “pause” and switching from the hurtful or angry feelings that may be swarming in your head will start to shift the energy to something much better for you. Sometimes just noticing you have the thoughts will help to shift you. At night try playing a guided mediation, soft relaxing music, write in a journal or get up and read something that uplifts you! Thank you so very much for posting! Keep in touch.
Hoping your heart heals quickly making room for new self love ……then to let in the love of another,
Bonnie
Thank you……love the way you put it. As I chronic worrier, it feels nice to be given permission to take break from my “monkey mind” and focus on something gentle and sweet!
Hi Celeste,
I love that you are focusing on something gentle and sweet, because we know what we focus on gets bigger.
Enjoy those juicy things coming your way,
Bonnie