Cultivating a Practice of Patience and Love
The “in-between” time or messy middle can be so challenging.
Something in our life has run it's course. We are bravely stepping away from old idea, belief, or habit, with intention and purpose. We have began to release the people, places, or things that no longer serve our highest good. There was an ending, but instead of feeling like a time of transition--it feels like we are standing still.
It is not yet time for the next "new beginning" to start. The new way or experience hasn't revealed itself or show up yet. We are emotionally strained from the soul searching in releasing in the old, but don't seem to have enough in the tank to hold out for the new.
We have all been there.
To add to to the challenge; seemingly from out of nowhere; fear, doubt, worry and anxiety creeps in. We start to wonder if a new beginning, a fresh start or a reset is actually lined up for ourselves. Standing still moves into feeling stuck in thick, dense mud.
One of the hard truths in life is that we are responsible and accountable for ourselves. We are fully responsible and accountable for our own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. We are also responsible for noticing the little nudges and glimmers of subtle synchronicities, every day blessings and big miracles. And furthermore, we need to take action on those synchronicities, blessings and miracles to continue to create positive change or growth in our life. Moving from surviving to thriving.
Two of my favorite strategies for navigating the "in-between" time or messy middle of being still or even stuck in the proverbial mud is cultivating a practice of patience and self-love.
These practices can leave us able to discern between thoughts, feelings and beliefs that are actively supportive or creating more stress. And give us the extra push to navigate a challenging time with ease and grace.
Tips for creating a practice of patience and self-love:
Take a breath (or several) and pause. Slowing down gives us space to release the stress. It also helps us to take time for a deeper dive into our potentially problematic thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that are keeping the angst high.
Take time to look at your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that are being activated during your time of impatience during the "in-between" and messy middle.
Look your need to rush, to keep pushing or to receive what you think you are entitled to when you want it. Where does that come from? It is create more overwhelm? What is your need for hoping for something will happen--now, in this particular moment?
Evaluate if you are realistic in your expectations. If not, it's time to give yourself permission to pivot or course correct. This might be an opportunity to reprioritize where you are putting your focus and energy.
3. Be open to practicing being comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Again, take this as an opportunity to look at your thoughts, feelings and beliefs about the situation. Identify why you are feeling irritated, bothered or impatient. It might actually reveal the “fix” to the impatience.
4. Practice active listening if your impatience situation involves someone else. Your emotions might be clouding your perspective.
Active listening is a practice of being fully present in the moment. Put away distractions like phones, tv, video games, etc. Face the other person, making eye contact, and watch the other person's nonverbals for clues on how they are feeling.
Hold off on judgement, criticism, and advice. Listen to understand so ask clarifying questions to better understand their perspective.
5. Practice acceptance. Sometimes, it is just "is the way it is". Something we can control, we can't actively change, and need to give it time to resolve itself.
6. Practice using humor to diffuse your tension. Can you see any humor in the situation? If this was something you were only observing what would your reaction be? Would it differ from your current reaction?
7. Remind yourself it’s not always about you. The Universe probably is not conspiring to keep your little world stuck in the mud.
8. Ask for help. Seek out those who love and can offer support for the stressful period of messy middle. Invite in your guides and guardians; those who love you so dearly and who offer their protection, wisdom and guidance.
9. Practice self love and loving kindness, towards yourself and others.
Identify your needs, try to meet your needs instead of sacrificing your needs by meeting others (people pleasing)
Set and maintain healthy boundaries and healthy communication.
Honor your needs by shifting time commitments, making sure there is enough room in your schedule for time for your needs.
Pause self-criticism and comparison. This is truly time to practice being kind to yourself. Send yourself forgiveness and loving kindness.
Care for your body in a loving and nurturing way. This makes it easier to buffer yourself from stress and navigate difficult periods of life.
Remind yourself of your strengths and the other times you have preserved during difficult periods. Affirm for yourself that you will eventually regain your footing and balance. See yourself in your truest essence.
Be grateful for what you already have; don't discount the things you are grateful for in your life. Can you find any gratitude in the "in-between" time? Are there any messages, lessons or reminders you need to pay attention to?
Spend time resting and dreaming (or daydreaming) about your next adventure.
These strategies will allow you to begin to see the magic, blessings, and miracles in everyday life.
You are deserving of wonder and miracles. Focus on your potential and possibilities. Allow your fully realized self to step forward so that you can continue on the path to your highest destiny. If you are aware of the synchronicities with wonder and awe you will be amazing at your ability to co-create miracles into your own life.
See what appears in your life as you move out of the "in-between" and the messy middle into your miraculous next chapter!
Wishing you peace and bliss in co-creating your next miracle!
Mary
P.S. For a short Reiki Infused Meditation, check out my YT channel for the Live this blog is based on!
