We are what we consume through our senses…
Often times we put our attention on the wrong things and as a result, we feel exhausted, angry, chronically stressed or lost. The good thing is, if we change what we put our attention on, we can change our view of reality and make better choices that lead to joy.
How do we do this?
A good starting point is to clarify your values and determine what is important to you in each sector of your life. You can start this practice on your own or it is extremely helpful to have a yoga therapist to ask the right questions to assist you in uncovering your inner truths (things we already know but have forgotten).
Organize your mind…
I like to make charts, so here is an example of how I organize this process for myself. So go ahead and fill out the blank one below, listing what is important to you in each category and remember to be Positive, Concrete and Specific – listing only what you want rather than what you don’t want.
After filling out the chart, please do the following:
- Rate each item in each category on a scale of 1-3, with 1 being the least important and 3 being the most important
- Determine the areas in your life where you are living in congruence with your values and add a check mark
- Determine the areas in your life where you are not living in congruence with your values and add an X mark
Reflection time…
Now it’s time to reflect upon why you are not living your values in each category and then write out what it would look like if you were. Choose the top 3 items for improvement and write out actionable steps to take you there that become your new practices.
This is a simple exercise to design your lifestyle according to your values.
Remember that it takes time to change habits, the nature of the mind and create a better future… but with tools like this, we are learning about who we really are and what we want – tapping into our intrinsic values.
This is the primary work that I do now as a Yoga Therapist. I’m not psychoanalyzing my clients but simply holding space, asking questions and using holistic models to become more clear about what’s no longer working and offering time-tested tools and practices to improve relationships, lifestyle and self-care.
Give it a shot and let me know how it goes!!
"Your attention is your most valuable currency"
– Robert Birnberg