Shifting patterns with mindfulness (the first step.)

Why do patterns hold on?

The patterns of identification that limit us, weren’t always limiting.

They were adaptive.

If you grew up in a threatening environment, learning how to 'fly under the radar' was adaptive.

Playing small and keeping quiet protected you.

The pattern protected you.

So you adopted it, you took it on as you.

But your life has changed.

You’ve matured.

The world you live in is not that of your childhood.

But the pattern persists.

It doesn’t have any other choice.

Because the pattern is not self aware.

It cannot turn around in consciousness and witness itself.

It needs you to do that. Your courageous, loving awareness.

And as long as you are unconsciously identified with the pattern, you can’t witness it, or positively act upon it.

Yet there is a persistent frustration or sadness you cannot shake, a way of being that you are dissatisfied with.

Un-observed patterns continue to generate our thoughts, speech and actions.

We then recieve 'feedback' from the world. That further validates our distorted self image.

Locking in results that conform with the needs of the pattern.

Not the needs of your life-as-a-whole. As the pattern cannot embrace your life-as-a-whole.

The pattern is a part with a dimension of awareness that is limited, focused on its own emotional needs.

And, as long as you don’t become aware of this pattern with its limited horizon of awareness—the pattern’s limitation will continue to define your life.

This is why mindfulness is essential, to build your self awareness.

To accept what has happened to you.

To understand why?

To gain knowledge of that understanding. To become wize and lift beyond the small personal self.

To restore the energy. Here we often find forgiveness...and maybe we realize there was nothing to forgive.

As we return to balance.

We restore the fragmented self back into the fullness of our being. And our deep belonging within the fabric of life.