Have you had the thought that you are caught in quicksand? The more you struggle, the quicker you get sucked in?
I just had that experience by virtue of thinking I can’t keep up with all my work demands and being a caretaker for my 91-year old father. I felt it in my body – anxious thoughts and tightening in the stomach. I wanted to find a way out. What to do?
First, stop resisting what is. How can I accept where I am and stop resisting what is? Putting up a struggle and resisting is a waste of precious energy. It will not create more time in my day or make things go away.
Second, pause and breathe. Become still in the midst of the quicksand.
Third, accept the reality of what is placed at my feet and stop struggling.
I’ve done all three and found my body calming down and feel less anxious. Thoughts swirling around in my mind lessened. The panic feeling is no longer there. I see space on my calendar that I didn’t see before. I also realize I don’t have to be a perfectionist. Trust my instincts and experience to accomplish what needs to be done.
I know the quicksand is just outside my office door. If I’m not attentive and aware, I will step right back into it.
What has been your quicksand experience? How do you respond that’s been helpful for you? Let me know.
(Blog based on “Stop Struggling” from the book 52 Ways to Shift Any Outcome in Less Than a Minute – Practical Mindfulness for Leaders by Sellers, Boone and Harper)