Strange.
You say to others all day long, how are you?
Yet your own sense of self can be moody, changeable like the weather. A subtle energy that shifts and breathes with your experiences. When did you pause to wonder, how am I? Instead, you wear busy like a badge, cloaking you in carefully constructed illusions, delusions of micro accomplishment. This dulling of your instinct as you rattle around like a mouse in a cage. To check in with Self requires that you slow and that you soften. That you bend, bend, bend but you do not break. Here are 3 simple ways to maintain your sense of self in a chaotic world.
1. Mix it up!
Intentionally do something different, daily. Try a different cafe, leave your phone, read a book, write your quotes, lie in the sun just because! During my Uni days, I had a friend Jarret who often did quirky things to push himself outside of his comfort zone. I remember him eating cereal from a bowl on the floor like a dog or writing with his non-dominant hand. One day he blindfolded himself and his brother led him around the campus to lectures and tutorials blind for the day. Getting out of the familiar evokes curiosity.
2. Commit to a regular Self practice.
Whatever practices, tools or rituals that you prefer commit to it, daily. Each time you step onto the ‘metaphoric’ mat you’re opening to a quiet internal conversation. To get out of the busy mind and drop down into the body, to converse with your higher self. It is uncomfortable at times, difficult when you’re caught up in the chaos of the mouse wheel but gently as you begin to arrange your internal thoughts, mysteriously your external world rearranges.
3. Romance yourself.
Get ready with music. Get dressed and do all the things. Book yourself a table at a restaurant, take a great book, order yourself a beautiful meal and delicious wine. Leave your phone. Read or people watch, soak up the atmosphere and view it as an experiment. Have fun! People are too focused on themselves to judge you, and confidence is attractive. These solo times in foreign cities might be the time when you end up meeting someone amazing. A solo date builds self-confidence, and each one will become easier. Remember, you are modelling self-love and presence for others and that’s super attractive! Especially so in a world of increasingly zombie like ‘humans’ slumped over their devices, you can be an example of presence and wonder.
IR x
This is such an authentic and grounding reminder to pause, reflect, and embrace presence. Loved the practical ideas for reconnecting with self. You are a treasure!