2 tools to get into a transformative physical & mental state
How many times have you said to yourself something along the lines of “I would love to be able to do [insert desired activity], but I don’t think I can”?
It got me thinking about the limiting beliefs and realities we create for ourselves simply because we feel we’re incapable, when we might not actually know until we try, which might also require getting our mindset over a material hump.
Case in point: last weekend I was fortunate enough to see a bit of the Tour de France in person – it was mind-blowing to watch how the cyclists were so laser focused in a variety of extreme conditions.
(At least they seemed concentrated – who knows what kind of thoughts or to-do lists are going through their head whilst on wheels…)
This mental stamina alongside their physical capabilities got them up and down winding roads at insane speeds – sometimes in hot hot heat – and occasionally even some rain.
It reminded me of the Yoga Sutra (philosophical teaching) that advises us to practice for a long time, without interruption, and with devotion.
Yogic philosophy aside, I could not believe that they did this type of intense movement every single day of the Tour de France – some of them several years in a row (like WHY would one decide to put themselves through this AGAIN?).
Whether or not they achieved their goal(s) or scored a place on the podium, I realized that all of them were exhibiting some form of Mind Over Matter, which – in my opinion – can be achieved in 2 simple ways if you practice for a long time, uninterrupted, and with sincerity:
1. Meditation.
Even if it’s a few minutes a day – even a few times per week – meditation is one of the most effective tools we can all freely access to enhance general focus and mental / emotional resiliency.
There are even free apps with guided sessions – I have several on Insight Timer.
Sit in a tall and comfortable position, get in a clearer headspace (do a body scan, focus on the breath or the sounds around you), envision yourself in a desired situation, and see if you can embody how achieving that desire would feel physically and mentally.
Dr. Joe Dispenza teaches similar methods and has seen spectacular results – even people overcoming certain limiting physical conditions.
Our minds are so powerful – we can choose what we focus on and how we focus, and it can make an incredible impact.
Side note: mindfulness practices do not equate to bypassing tough emotions; they also don’t guarantee that we’ll end up obtaining our desired outcome.
What mindfulness practices will do is equip us with tools to navigate our feelings and undesirable circumstances when they arise, which results in an ability to overcome challenges and carry on in the face of fear, doubt, difficulty, and uncertainty.
2. Movement – especially movement that is challenging.
Even if it’s quick bouts of movement – or brief moments of feeling like you might not have the strength to go on – check and test your limits (safely; with awareness).
You might be surprised at how far you can go, and if not, then at least you tried.
For example: we recently took an amazing, arduous 2-day hike in the Alps, and I often wondered if I was strong enough to make it.
Although I was slow, I did in fact make it, and even though I may or may not have cried at some point, it felt really empowering to have overcome that challenge.
The physical practice of yoga is another great way to teach us how to breathe during difficult and sometimes uncomfortable moments.
The body is so adaptable and resilient, and although it’s absolutely important to rest, cultivating strength and mobility is absolutely imperative for longevity – especially if we can lovingly push ourselves a bit from time to time and see what we’re capable of.
*Here’s a free, short, post-bike ride yoga video for other cycling-enthusiasts.
That’s it: Meditate and Move >> Mind Over Matter.
For some, sitting still can actually be more challenging than movement; for others it will be much harder to get moving than it would be to remain still and focused.
Either way – both practices can be an excellent means of challenging us to go beyond the limits of our mind and experience new possibilities, over and over again (i.e. for a long period of time, without interruption, with respect).
Each tool also offers a host of physical and mental health benefits – you’ll find hundreds of studies to prove their efficacy, but I find it even more meaningful to practice and see for yourself.
How might you try these practices this week, and what might you focus on to get your mind over matter?
Let me know how it goes – reach out if you need support!
Be well,
S
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