Dear Reader
Returning to the environment where I grew up has brought back old habits I thought I had outgrown. For those of you who have moved away from your home, I know you know what I am talking about.
This week, for example, I made an undue comment to my (very kind, sweet, generous, loving) Dad that immediately made me think, “Hang on, That’s not me anymore!”
It was a reminder I needed that our external environments breed certain dynamics because of their physicality and the memories they carry. If we’re not mindful we can slip into old behaviours that no longer align with who we are.
It’s important to be intentional about our environments and the people we surround ourselves with because they influence us- bringing out our best or worst. Now we can’t always control our external environments or people in our lives, so it’s even more important to connect with the part of ourselves that lies beyond our subconscious habits, our true Self. This connection is what helps us continue growing rather than stagnating.
Of course, we’ll slip up occasionally. If it were that easy to maintain conscious awareness, the world would be a more harmonious place, eh? 😫 When I catch myself slipping, what helps me move forward is taking responsibility and reminding myself that this lapse doesn’t define the true me.
So, how do we stay connected to our true selves? Meditation. Meditation. Meditation. It creates space in the mind so we can see (awareness) who we are and when we are not that.
Questions:
What environments bring out your best and worst?
How do you manage the influence of your surroundings on your behaviour?
Here’s a free 10 min guided meditation by me, you have to download the free app.
https://insig.ht/orl1P5QRsMb
Love,
Jaimini
