Exploration: Noticing Directing, Suggesting, Controlling
Pick a period of time, for example a day or a week, or a period of an hour or two a day.
Notice the times you make suggestions, or try to direct, control or change what’s happening. Most of us do this far more often than we realize, and more often than is necessary. If this is true for you, try to tune into what lies behind your need to constantly steer life, others, yourself. What do you fear will happen if you don’t? You could experiment with not making suggestions or directions for a period of time, and sit mindfully with the discomfort (of course, use common sense – if there is imminent danger, you should say something!).
Of course, some people are reluctant to make suggestions and don’t speak up, even when it would be valuable. If you sense this is your approach, notice what holds you back, and experiment with saying a little more than you do.
Again, there is no right or wrong here, in terms of how we think or act. It’s more a case of finding ways to notice our habitual and automatic reactions, and shake them up a little bit, to see what is actually happening at a deeper level.
Next: Fear and Courage
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