You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass. – Timber Hawkeye
At times of uncertainty, it’s common to feel high levels of anxiety and stress, leaving us feeling vulnerable and unstable. However, as researcher and author Brené Brown points out, it is precisely during these moments of vulnerability and uncertainty that we have the opportunity to cultivate greater resilience and personal growth.
In her book “Rising Strong,” Brené notes, that our struggles and challenges can actually be the “reckoning” that leads to greater resilience and personal growth. By facing our fears and vulnerabilities, we can develop a stronger sense of self and a greater capacity to navigate uncertainty. Brown emphasizes the importance of embracing the full range of our emotions and experiences, rather than trying to suppress or avoid them, in order to truly rise strong in the face of adversity.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a simple five-step process to help face your vulnerabilities then shift to a more powerful mindset.
Building Resilience Through Uncertainty
Uncertainty is a natural part of life, and we all face challenges and problems that can induce anxiety and stress. However, it’s important to recognize that it’s in these moments of uncertainty where we can build our strength and resilience. It’s in these moments where we can choose to focus on what’s going right instead of what’s going wrong.
Breaking the Cycle of Negative Thinking
When we face uncertainty, our minds tend to default to negative thinking. We start looking for problems to solve, so we have a sense of control over our lives. But in doing so, we often end up seeing problems in every aspect of our lives, causing us more suffering and misery. However, it’s essential to recognize that problems are illusions created by our minds. By shifting our focus away from these illusions, we can break the cycle of negative thinking and invite positivity into our lives.
The Five-Step Process to Shifting Your Mindset
Now that we know the importance of shifting our mindset, let’s explore a five-step process to help you do so.
Step 1: Recognize When You’re in a Negative State of Mind
The first step to shifting your mindset is recognizing when you’re in a negative state of mind. It’s perfectly okay to feel anxious or stressed during uncertain times, but recognizing these emotions is the first step in shifting your mindset.
If you’re interested in learning more about mindfulness and its benefits for reducing anxiety and stress, check out this article on 10 Mindfulness Techniques to Reduce Anxiety and Stress.
Step 2: Ask for Help
Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, or simply asking a trusted friend or family member for support, reaching out for help can help to shift your focus and invite positivity into your life.
Step 3: Focus on What’s Going Right
Instead of looking for problems to solve, focus on what’s going right in your life. Take a few moments to reflect on all the things that are going amazingly well right now, no matter how small they may seem. Even the simple act of practicing this exercise can be a win.
Next, write down all of the blessings in your life in a journal. Witness the list as being abundant and that the Universe provides all that you need to support you through life.
Step 4: Practice Gratitude
Expressing gratitude is a powerful tool for shifting your mindset. Take a moment to say a gratitude prayer or simply express your gratitude to the universe for helping you through difficult times.
Step 5: Repeat the Process
The key to making this process a habit is to repeat it every time you notice yourself slipping back into negative thinking. Remember, every problem has a spiritual solution, and you have the power to shift your mindset and invite positivity into your life.
Conclusion
In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to get caught up in negative thinking and feel overwhelmed by problems. But with the simple five-step process outlined in this blog post, you can shift your focus from anxiety and stress to one of security and positive thought. By recognizing when you’re in a negative state of mind, asking for help, focusing on what’s going right, practicing gratitude, and repeating the process, you can build resilience and strength in the face of uncertainty. Remember, problems are illusions, and you have the power to break the cycle of negative thinking and invite positivity into your life.
As we explore ways to shift our focus from anxiety and stress to security and positive thoughts, it’s important to consider all the tools available to us. One powerful tool for promoting inner peace and wellbeing is the practice of Reiki, an ancient Japanese healing technique that works to balance the body’s energy and promote relaxation. If you’re interested in exploring Reiki further, I have a variety of offerings to help support you. Check them out here.