Most of us would agree, we like being in our comfort zone. Infact it wouldn’t be inappropriate to say that our brains generally crave certainty and routine. Because certainty gives us the feeling that everything is in order and, therefore all is well. On the other hand, when we are exposed to an environment we are not familiar with, our neural system that processes fear and danger lights up. So although this may sound like something we need to avoid, but actually being open to change is an opportunity for growth and success. Those who resist change generally are affected by it negatively.
Personal growth happens in an environment of curiosity and openness. If you look back at the hard times, they probably were times you surprised yourself with your determination, will, strength and even capabilities. When we are open, we have more understanding and compassion for ourselves and others. Moreover staying open and receptive removes inflexibility, judgment, prejudices and to a great extent ignorance from our minds. We begin to discover more about ourselves and the world around us. Life becomes less restrictive, more enjoyable and exciting.
The following points can help you begin your journey towards becoming more receptive-
1. Remove Distractions
Studies on the mind conclude that humans beings spend nearly 40 to 45 % percent of their waking hours not fully paying attention to what’s happening in front of them and around them. They easily get distracted as a result they become closed and inflexible. Their minds gets disorganized and restless, filled with thoughts scattered here and there.
Studies on Psychology conclude that often times, the reason we lose focus is because we are looking to escape some kind of situation or discomfort such as anxiety or boredom. What we need to however understand is that perhaps the very thing we want to escape is the uncomfortable thing we need to embrace and welcome in order to grow, learn and succeed.
To overcome this challenge, firstly remove whatever is distracting you so you can fully focus on thinking about solutions or whatever it is that you are working on. For example, if you are reading this article, close all other apps and do not check other notifications on your phone for the next few minutes so that you concentrate fully on what you are reading, absorbing and understanding.
2. Train your mind to face the unknown
When it comes to walking into unfamiliar roads, what often holds us back is the fear of failure or the thought that something bad may happen. We have to thus train our mind to overcome fear and practice pushing ourselves into discomfort even when we feel like taking the easy way out by running back to comfort. It can be a big opportunity in another country that feels unfamiliar and overwhelming so much so that even though it’s a life changing opportunity we are afraid it’s not something we will be able to manage. Or it can be something smaller, like introducing ourselves to someone new at an event or party because we are feeling too shy.
The key is to acknowledge your feelings and observe your urge to avoid something. Then choose to do it anyway because deep down you know that it’s the best thing for you to do. Practice thinking the thought, “What if it all works out well?” Think about a discomforting or challenging situation working out great and then take action with confidence and positivity. Trying new things will help you overcome fear and allow you to expand your mind, creativity, and self confidence.
3. Practice Mindfulness
Practice Sitting in Silence daily. You may focus your attention on a single mantra or any word or phrase that you repeat to yourself over and over again. This allows you to experience the energy of that mantra and to feel the vibrations taking place in your own body. You may also concentrate on an object before you in the silence of your mind and heart. As you do, you realize you have started to go within your own self and consciousness. Your mind and thoughts are disappearing and you are one with that mantra or object. You are in the present moment where there is no bias, judgment, resistance or fear. Everything just IS. The ‘IS’ that is healing, refreshing and simply pure bliss.
You may also focus on your breath as you sit in silence and watch the inhalation and exhalation of your own breath. Since the breath and mind are connected, once your breath gets relaxed, your mind automatically begins to let go of past thoughts of resistance and fear. This proves to be very beneficial for opening doors to receptivity as it slowly releases limiting beliefs and makes space for thoughts that help you move forward and experience new things in life.
4. Look at different Perspectives
The reason why we conform ourselves to same old habits, behaviour and results is that we keep a narrow view and outlook about things. We search for, interpret, favour and remember information in a way that confirms our old beliefs and supports our already strongly held views and opinions. However this is not healthy. If we are to grow, we have to be open to new knowledge, information and even opposing views.
One way to deal with this problem is to constantly look to expand your knowledge base. Actively seek out some credible opposing views. This could mean reading a credible news source you don’t usually read, discussing with others to understand their point of view on something, attending a seminar led by a leading authority to understand the subject more closely rather than being closed and inflexible on your views and opinions about something. Exploring different points of view may not change your views, but the exposure to different views and ideas could really help you to reason things out well to make more informed decisions and right life choices for success and happiness.
To your Joy and Success
Dr Karishma Ahuja
There is great power in letting go of the past. Forgiveness 21 days course will help you to stop looking back and instead feel lighter and happier in the present, bringing you more success and peace. Start your cleaning journey here: Forgiveness 21 days course.
About Dr Karishma Ahuja
Dr. Karishma Ahuja is a Metaphysical teacher specializing in Law of Attraction, Forgiveness practices and Inner child healing therapy based on the Hawaiian Problem solving technique of Ho’oponopono. She has coached thousands of children and adults over the last 16 years and offers various courses and personal coaching programs on manifestation, mind power, energy cleaning and positive thinking. Dr Ahuja writes a weekly Colum for the Hindustan Times and shares her inputs for success on various media portals like Times of India, Zee News, Midday, Tax Guru, etc. She is the author of 2 popular Self help books – “The Healing Power of Words” and “The Healing Power of Gratitude.”
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