We are in unknown times at the moment.  Dealing with the outbreak of a new virus. 

Experts are learning more about Covid-19 every day and because of this, advice is changing almost by the hour.

In the current situation it’s easy for our thoughts to run away with all sorts of what if scenarios, leading to feelings of stress.

If you find yourself fearful in the current climate, firstly don’t be hard on yourself.  You’re not alone.

And my heart goes out to you, if you are or your loved ones have been directly affected aversely by this pandemic.

I do want to share with you a perspective that can bring you clarity and peace of mind right now.

Irrespective of the situation you find yourself in.

This is an understanding that has allowed myself and many other’s to tap into a greater level of resilience and wellbeing and ride the inevitable ups and downs of life.

The truth is – we are always going to face challenges in life.  

Everyone’s circumstances are different, but no-one is immune from experiencing trials and tribulations.

However our relationship to any situation varies from moment to moment.  

What I mean by that is, irrespective of what’s going on out there, your feelings will fluctuate. Because……

any feeling you have, at any time, is a reflection of the
thoughts going through your mind in that moment.  

And these constantly change independent of our outer circumstances.

When you are present and in the flow of life, thoughts, along with their associated feelings, come and go.  Much of these are barely noticed, if at all.  

However some of these thoughts trigger our attention and we inadvertently start to focus in on them.  This in turn increases the intensity of the emotions we’re feeling.  

This often happens when we notice a feeling and look to what’s happening “out there” to explain how we feel.

Leading to a chain reaction of more of the same flavour of thinking and consequently a greater intensity of feelings.  

For example if I look at my dog and a thought pops into my head of what a cute lovely boy he is, it’s likely I’ll have a warm and loving feeling.

On the other hand if I look at my dog and a thought pops into my head about how am I going to feed him if ……. (insert any disaster related thought here!).  Then I’m likely to start feeling anxious and worried.

The key here is that both scenarios involve me looking at my dog.  

The experience I have is not because of my dog, it’s caused by a random thought that popped in to my head which appears true to me.

And even more importantly I didn’t consciously decide to create that thought.  

It’s important to understand that last point.  

Many people, myself included, on first hearing this think it’s about positive thinking or even taking an “Ostrich in the Sand” approach.

All these approaches can actually take you away from the clarity you seek as they cause a more narrowed focus on the thoughts you’re having.

What I’m pointing to is becoming aware of that quieter stiller place within that’s your default state of peace and wellbeing. 

Accessed by seeing the stream of thought is actually a random, ongoing function of being human and not related to outside events.

Because of this, when you’re caught up in uncomfortable feelings, you know they won’t last and will pass irrespective of what’s happening out there.

And despite any stressful feelings you may be experiencing your wellbeing is still present.

In the same way on a cloudy day, the sun is still there. 

And at some point the clouds will clear and you’ll feel the warmth of the sun again.  

The more you look to your feelings being a thought created experience and not due to what’s happening “out there”, the more you’ll experience a state of flow in your life.  

From that place, clarity and wisdom emerge, guiding you on how to navigate the challenges that life throws at you. 

Decisions become easier and you focus your action on the things you can influence and let go of what you can’t.  

In this way you ride the natural ups and downs of life without the agony of mental suffering.  

Would you like support in seeing this for yourself? – If so let’s have a chat.  Click here to find out more.