Written by: Agapi Apostolopoulou, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In the rhythm of my daily life, I often find myself entangled in recurring thoughts, particularly concerning financial matters like covering rent, bills, and more.
I notice my breath becoming shallower, a subtle indication of the anxiety that begins to grip me. It's a familiar pattern: seeking solace in the kitchen, searching for instant pleasure in food—a temporary antidote to the rising anxiety levels...
In this passive state, I invest considerable energy in the ceaseless repetition of so many negative thoughts. It's like a self-imposed jail, a comfort zone that entraps me mentally, eventually manifesting as a miniature prison in my external reality.
How can I break free from this cycle? How do I cultivate new thoughts and embrace a different emotional space?
Despite reading numerous articles on positive thinking, my attempts to escape this self-imposed suffering often lead me back to a space where victimhood feels strangely comforting.
Do I truly possess the power to break free from it? Am I the architect of my own reality? If so, why do I find myself clinging to and nourishing this lower vibrational state?"
Daily entanglement in negative thoughts
One of the most powerful addictions we face is the repetition of thoughts that replicate emotions of fear, stress, and frustration. This addiction holds a unique power! We might strive to liberate ourselves from it without realizing that, in essence, we are attempting to break free from our own selves. It's akin to driving a car, simultaneously pressing the accelerator and the brake. I yearn to escape, to transform my life, yet I keep on holding those low-vibration emotions and thoughts.
The escape from this gripping cycle certainly does not lie solely in the realm of the mind. The swiftest route out is not paved with creating positive thoughts while concealing the roots of negative thoughts deep within. The most effective and consistent path is to shift our Attention to the Body.
The power of our attention
Our Attention is like an impartial observer who can remain free from thoughts and emotional entanglements. If we guide this observer to focus on our thoughts, we can watch them without getting tangled up in them. On the other hand, we can also direct our attention to our body, observing what's happening inside – emotions and different sensations – without getting too wrapped up in them.
The problem begins when we lose this observer's independence and get attached to our mind, body, and emotions, which can lead to losing ourselves.
This doesn't mean we should be insensitive or ignorant. Instead, it suggests that we can still experience thoughts and emotions while keeping our attention as observers.
Liberation through shifting attention to the body
In stressful times, shifting attention to the body can be a powerful tool! For example, feel our breath moving through our body, consciously listen to a favorite song, savor a delicious meal, and more.
By spending time focusing on the body, especially enjoying sensory experiences, we break free from the addiction of the mind and we detach ourselves from the repetitive thoughts.
Most importantly, we let go of control over the mental prison, simultaneously relieving the pressure on the accelerator and brake.
I recommend you try this: dedicate some time per day for a week to daily conscious practices like eating mindfully, listening to music, giving yourself a conscious touch, or simply spend some time doing nothing! just existing and breathing.
You will slowly realise that focusing your attention inside the body releases newfound energy that you can afterward use the way you want. You can, for example, explore the mind more consciously when you are looking for solutions or use it to prolong your health, your vitality, and more.
These practices might be an excellent remedy for health anxiety and a transformative experience! There's nothing to lose, and the potential gains in clarity, ideas, and creativity are worth exploring!
You can check my workshops and sessions if you want to find more tools on how to train your attention to stay more inside the body and less inside the mind!
Agapi Apostolopoulou, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Agapi is a Self-development Teacher coming from the rich cultural tapestries of Greece and Ethiopia. She encompasses the roles of a Clairvoyant, Shaman, Tantric Teacher, and Medicine Woman. Her profound connection to the spiritual realm allows her to access the Akashic Records and channel information directly from the Spirit. She has a global presence and founded "Alithi Gi," an online school that provides a nurturing space for inner exploration and self-realization. Whether through individual sessions or experiential workshops, Agapi shares her wisdom and gifts in various corners of the world, creating a harmonious fusion of Knowledge and Experience.
