Well, here we are…the holidays are in the rearview mirror, school is in session and everyday life is back to the old grind. And January. Is. Already. Over. How on earth did that happen?
In my ideal world, I should have already finished my 2023 reflections and mapped out my goals and intentions for this year. Did that happen? Sort of. Here and there. Kind of. Not all at once. Sound familiar? Surely, I am not alone in this boat. But I have been thinking about it. A lot.
What’s resonating to me right now? I told my teenage kids that I was considering writing about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, a fairly popular concept embraced by the likes of the United State Marine Corp and the high school soccer team alike.
They both groaned. We’ve all heard that before.
Back to the Drawing Board
So, I went back to the drawing board and gave it more thought while driving across Wyoming- such a journey providing the perfect opportunity – and recalled my morning meditation. It centered on fundamental ideas like non-judgment, acceptance, curiosity, and embracing the discomfort of uncertainty. In essence, it emphasized the idea that everything is welcome. The meditation app referred to it as “welcome to the party,” but I personally likened it to the feeling of entering a retail store, where we’re often greeted with a warm “welcome in.”
My co-worker, the one who always annoys me, is annoying me. – welcome in.
I didn’t like the tone of my husband’s text message – welcome in.
I hate the way these pants look on me – welcome in.
Our perceptions of a situation are shaped by a combination of experiences, emotions, interpretations, judgments, thoughts, and physical reactions. These elements frequently influence the decisions and actions we choose to pursue. When marred by judgment, non-acceptance, and a lack of curiosity, we often find ourselves stuck in a cycle, not presenting ourselves in the manner we aspire to.
But what if there was a way to circumvent that? What would it be like to welcome in distressing feelings, judgmental thoughts or physical reactions? Welcome in whatever is taking you below the line. What would it feel like to say nothing is not welcome?
Perhaps there is opportunity to learn. And perhaps there is an opportunity to accept. Perhaps, even an opportunity to move beyond a treasured and prized opinion that you know is certainly always right.
Welcome in.
This concept has earned a spot in my intentions and goal setting process for the coming year. I plan to use it as a mantra.
Welcome in.
MINDFUL MOMENTS
I’m a big proponent of practicing the pause – Let’s add one more step – during that microsecond, say to yourself, “welcome in” to whatever is taking you below the line. Acknowledging and accepting the thoughts or emotions, one can create space for a more measured and intentional response, fostering better communication and decision-making. Integrating such techniques into daily interactions can contribute to personal growth and more positive outcomes for us all.
Give it a try.
Welcome in. You’re safe here.
