Written by Christine Exelmans, Conscious Leadership
Her skills as a leader, guiding hundreds of individuals, managing large teams and climbing the corporate ladder. Along her journey, she encountered the limitations of traditional leadership approaches and sought a new path—one rooted in self-awareness, consciousness and growth.
Eckhart Tolle's quote, "Focus your attention on the now and tell me what problems you have at this moment," encapsulates a profound truth about the human experience and the power of mindfulness. If we take a close and inquisitory look, we might notice that our minds are often consumed by a whirlwind of thoughts, worries, and anxieties about the past and the future. Tolle's wisdom urges us to shift our focus to the present moment, where true peace and clarity reside.
It might seem almost impossible, but it can be achieved with practice.
The importance of exercise for physical health is widely recognized, yet the significance of mental exercise is often overlooked or undervalued. The need for exercise, not just for the body but also for the mind, is a lost practice in many ways. While physical fitness is crucial, mastering our mind is equally essential, if not more so, especially in the current era dominated by constant distractions, information overload, and heightened stress levels. The ability to cultivate focus and emotional resilience through mental exercises such as meditation, mindfulness practices, or cognitive training not only enhance our mental well-being but also improve cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life. Therefore, as we prioritize physical exercise for our bodies, we must also recognize and prioritize mental exercises as integral components of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
The power of thought
Our minds have incredible power, capable of shaping our reality and influencing our experiences. However, this power can also be a double-edged sword when our thoughts are not aligned with the present moment. Constant rumination on past events or worries about the future can create unnecessary stress and anxiety, leading to mental and emotional turmoil.
Useless thoughts often revolve around hypothetical scenarios, negative self-talk, or repetitive patterns that keep us stuck in a cycle of discontent. This is mental chatter that serves no practical purpose and only contributes to our suffering.
The catabolic quality of worrying
Worrying is a prime example of useless thought with a catabolic (destructive) effect on our well-being. Quantum Physics teaches us about the energetic potential of every thought, word and action. We are creatures of energy and we vibrate at our unique and personal frequency. Our circumstances, the situations we encounter and the people we meet are either attracted or repelled by our energetic emission.
When we worry, our minds create scenarios of potential problems or catastrophes, triggering a stress response in the body. Not only is this negatively affecting our energetic make-up, but also leads to chronic stress, accompanied by a range of health issues, including increased anxiety, weakened immune function, and even physical ailments like headaches or digestive problems.
Effect on body and mind
The mind-body connection is profound, and what affects one inevitably impacts the other. When we indulge in worrying and useless thoughts, our bodies respond by releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this can lead to chronic stress, fatigue, and a diminished sense of overall well-being.
How to shift your energy
We can break free from the grip of useless thoughts and worries by focusing our attention on the present moment. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or simply observing our thoughts without judgment can help cultivate awareness and presence.
When we start paying attention to the never-ending stream of thoughts (that we all experience each awaken minute) we will start to see patterns and themes, rooted in deep held beliefs.
Letting go of unhelpful patterns, thoughts and beliefs is important maintenance work.
By embracing the now and taking responsibility for our inner world, we can:
Reduce stress and anxiety by staying grounded in the present moment.
Improve mental clarity and decision-making by avoiding distractions from past regrets or future uncertainties.
Improve overall well-being with a sense of peace, contentment, and gratitude for the present moment.
Cultivate resilience and adaptability, as we learn to respond to challenges with a calm and centered mind.
Shift our Energy and raise our vibration.
By letting go of useless thoughts and worries, we can unlock a deeper sense of inner peace, wisdom, and joy in our daily lives.
Investing time in observing your thoughts and feelings might be the most important thing you can do for yourself, your success and your well-being.
Christine Exelmans, Conscious Leadership
With over 20 years of corporate experience, Christine has honed her skills as a leader, guiding hundreds of individuals, managing large teams and climbing the corporate ladder. Along her journey, she encountered the limitations of traditional leadership approaches and sought a new path—one rooted in self-awareness, consciousness and growth. Driven by her own transformation, Christine is dedicated to helping corporate talent to become the Leaders they wish they had. Her Vision is to transform the corporate workplace into a safe space where everyone can thrive, grow and fully expand.