When we want to increase our consciousness, we will wake up more frequently to what we are saying and doing in this moment. We can catch ourselves in operating from habit.

Such an important part of this process of growth is the noticing—”Oh I am doing or saying what I don’t want to be doing or saying!”  Then we have the choice to plug in the newer path.

Some of us habitually blame ourselves… “Oh what I jerk! I just said I want to appreciate and I am complaining again.”—internal dialogue…   Instead, “Good for me. I just noticed some piece of underground operating. This is what growing looks like!”

An Illustration from Glenda:

“Bless me, apparently my feet are expanding a bit at this stage of life. The boots I have used for five years or more are no longer comfortable. My toes hit the front–they feel too short.  I had thought I would keep wearing them until recently when I came home from a hike with a big toe ache that lasted two days. Yuck! Realized I now need a bigger size.

In my mind I started to get upset about this. But ding ding– I have the money– I can order online.  As I paused, I saw that my habit of thought involves blaming myself for needing new boots– I did something “bad”… I should have ______________.  Wait! SHIFT! I want to make it ok to need a bigger size. It is ok that my feet changed. Wow I notice blaming thoughts and think this: My feet expanded and I need new boots.

I ordered them, they came, they fit. they are comfortable.

This seems so simple on the surface– but I felt like I was entering a new chapter of life. When I skip the self-deprecating thinking and then concomitant emotional upset,  it is like finding space in a formerly cramped closet. Life is so much more enjoyable! and EASY.  WOW, this is the life I want. I love that I let life be easier.”

Of course these changes involve more important self talk than buying footwear.  We have continuous inner dialogue on so many observations– so many opportunities to look for the Good. Let’s be aware: the building of new habits will involve us noticing the old ones and catching ourselves. We are remembering we want to change. Let’s celebrate and persist.

That is the way we learn. We say “That a girl (or boy) you are back returned to present time! You remember another way to think! Good going! ”

Hee Haw! Isn’t it great that I am here now. Isn’t great that I am learning– this is what waking up looks like!

Do you have a story about your process in changing your habits of mind? Please send using the comments section. Or write a bit of your reaction to this piece.  Be part of all of us creating more fun!