If Your Thoughts were like Clothes…How “Smelly” would You Be?
I’m going to take you on a slightly odd journey today…
So lay back, close your eyes, and picture your mind as a walk-in closet.
(Stop giggling, and just do it!)
A closet full of fashionable (and not so fashionable) wisdom where some things fit, some don’t. Some pieces you wish you could still fit into. Some you’ve forgotten entirely. There’s clothes that comfort, conceal and boost your confidence. And some you’d like to just burn.
This freaky fashion show started the moment you popped into the world – when well-meaning (yet totally unconscious) humans started teachin’ you a thing or two about yourself and the world around you.
Unfortunately most of it was lousy information. But they didn’t teach you these barfy beliefs on purpose – they didn’t know any better! And heck, did a pretty gosh-darn good job under the circumstances (considering who raised THEM).
But still, here you are today – with a slew of beliefs about as helpful as wearing ear-muffs around your legs, gloves on your feet, and panties on your head. Wow.
(Note to self: Just because everyone’s doin’ something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good idea.)
As a wee-tot, you quickly tried on everything the giant people told you – slipping into your family’s unique style without batting an eye…
The “children-should-be-polite” pashmina. Check!
The “getting-good-grades-makes-mommy-happy” hat. Check!
The “women-should-be-skinny” scarf. Check!
The “men-should-be-strong” sweater. Check!
And the list goes on and on (and on) into infinity…
Question: But why would someone as smart as YOU take on beliefs without questioning them for yourself?
Answer: To survive. Literally.
Fitting in and “looking good” is more important than food to the human Spirit. Studies have show that when given the choice, we will choose love over food any ol’ day. It’s just that darn important. Period.
Us humans will do ANYTHING for love – even wear (mental) clown-suits, jousting armor or purple polka-dots if it meant being accepted.
And while this coping capacity is pretty gosh-darn clever (and worked “decently” around the age of 1, 2 and 3), it simply SUCKS for running a full-grown adult life.
It’s as if you slipped on a pretty pink party dress when you were young … Then inadvertently forgot to take it off for the next few decades. That dress is not only feeling pretty darn tight right about now… but Peeee-Eeeew! (Does somebody smell a skunk?)
So if you want to live a big, bold, brave life, it’s vital that you start questioning all the tidbits of what you’ve been told – discovering your own style, and uncovering your own answers, and finding your own truths along the way.
Because living with limiting beliefs keeps you trapped in your mind – a place where deep joy and faith and meaning are M.I.A. It’s like spending eternity at the Fairy Ball, and you’re stuck wearing a straight-jacket.
But questioning your thoughts allows in peace. Stillness. A quiet mind. And an open heart. It’s the stuff that allows Source cut in, take the lead, and spin you endlessly around life’s dance floor.
“But that’s a TALL order – where do I even begin?”
It’s easier than you think.
Begin by meeting every stressful, sad or stubborn belief with this simple, magic question:
“Can I be absolutely, positively, undeniably, 1000% sure that God herself would agree with this?”
Questions create spaciousness. They drop you out of the crazy-making mind machine that endlessly tries to “do” life – and sinks you down into your chest, your belly, your Soul, where the real answers await. The sweet spot where you can fully, wildly, wonderfully just “be”.
What you’ve been searching for your whole life was never, ever lost. It’s right there inside you, just waiting to be re-membered.
And while I realize there may feel like buckets, bathtubs and oceans full of beliefs to explore, remember Lao Tzu’s wisdom: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
So today’s your day – I’m handing you a beautiful new dress (and the keys to a whole new wardrobe). Are you brave enough to strip yourself bare, and slip into something a bit more comfortable (and way less smelly)?
Start by writing down all your stinkin’ thinkin’. Then meet each one with the magical question above – and let your heart (not your head) answer.
Then share your insights, epiphanies (or just downright befuddlement) below in the comments box.
Thought by thought, unravel the world of your mind. The more you question, the less you come to know. And trust me, that is a very, very, very good place to BE!
© 2011 Stephanie McWilliams LLC
