Rising Above Thoughts, Feelings, and Circumstances
Embarking on a quest for fulfillment, as Black women, we've relentlessly pursued solace, connection, and freedom – whether it be in the expression of our identity, the celebration of our sexuality, or in the face of the challenging intersections of gender and race. The quest for everlasting peace solely through engaging our minds, a facet of our essence, has proven to be a formidable challenge. Seeking eternal peace through the sole engagement of our minds, a fundamental aspect of who we are, has proven to be an extraordinary challenge.
The challenge for Black individuals in attaining inner peace through the mind is tied to historical and systemic factors. Systemic issues and past experiences, often rooted in racism, create added stress. It's essential to recognize that we can't forge new experiences using the same mindset that shaped our past. Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering an environment where we can pursue inner peace with support and understanding. However, envisioning a life beyond what we've already known and experienced, both individually and collectively, calls for actively clearing out outdated thoughts, ideas, and beliefs. This involves shedding what no longer serves us and doesn't align with the direction we are moving toward.
As we continue to deepen our practice of self-love, it's essential that we nurture the strength to ascend and paint a vivid picture of a life that goes beyond our current situation. An endeavor of this nature becomes achievable when, collectively, we possess the clarity and mental fortitude to distinguish what truly matters in propelling us to the next level of peace, healing, transformation, and success. Our power to rise up and envision transcendent possibilities is intricately tied to our clarity and discernment, paving the way for a future that surpasses our current circumstances.
Building upon this understanding, the forthcoming exploration delves into actionable ways we can rise above our old mindsets, physical bodies, and limiting circumstances and actively forge paths to authentic connection, joy, love, and freedom.
That said, this passage explores the notion that genuine connection, joy, love, and freedom unfold when we move beyond the confines of our minds, physical bodies, and environments. It's about surrendering to a higher power, embracing the uncharted, and unlocking a transformative path that propels us towards elevated experiences and a life that rises to new heights. Beautiful, your journey is about transcending, about finding that connection beyond the tangible, and embracing the unknown for a life that truly soars.
Know
Again, as mentioned in previous passages, embracing and understanding our roots is an empowering journey, a compass guiding us toward the vibrant destinies that await. Recognizing and acknowledging our roots lays the groundwork for understanding the journey unfolding before us. Our roots, our lineage, and our ancestry gift us with a broadened perspective of possibility and reveals the resilience intricately woven into the tapestry of our history, our souls, and the very essence of our being. When we connect with our roots, we gain the wisdom to rise above thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and circumstances that no longer align with our upward trajectory. We draw upon the power, strength, and richness of our heritage to cast aside anything that doesn't serve our evolution.
Knowing who we are innately helps us break free from the constraints of the past - mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically - and step boldly into a future shaped by the boundless possibilities that await us. Thus, our history becomes the fuel we use to create our future.
Rise
At our core, the mind is a reservoir of thoughts, emotions, beliefs, memories, and perceptions that shape our understanding of the world that surrounds us. Within the realm of the mind, myriad possibilities unfold grounding ourselves in the familiar, exploring the unknown, and crafting new realities from the present moment.
Let's explore each possibility more profoundly, seeking clarity on which aligns most with our journey to deepen self-love. (Warning: this is going to be a little deep, but just bear with me.)
- Anchoring in the Familiar Past: this involves finding comfort and stability in what we already know. Benefits include a sense of security, familiarity, and the ability to draw upon past experiences for guidance. However, the drawback lies in potential stagnation, as clinging too tightly to the familiar may hinder growth and limit our capacity to embrace new opportunities. Balancing the comfort of the past with openness to change is key.
- Anchoring in the Unknown Future (from the past): this presents a challenge – the risk of unintentionally recreating familiar patterns. This mindset, focused on predictability, can lead to managing persistent anxiety and frustration, hindering the realization of dreams and aspirations. Despite the wisdom gained, the cycle of learning and experiencing repeats, as comfort often prevails over fully embracing and creating from the unknown.
- Creating New Possibilities (from the present moment): this requires embracing change and actively shaping our future from the present moment means releasing the grip on the familiar past. By doing so, we free up the mental and emotional space to channel all our energy into rising above our current circumstances. Directing our energy and thoughts toward the future empowers us to embrace new opportunities and craft a life that aligns with our desires—one that's whole, joyful, fulfilling, and successful. While challenges may still arise, they'll be fresh obstacles that, in the end, broaden our existence and enrich our life experiences.
All in all, we must transcend mindsets that prove constraining and hinder us from experiencing solace, connection, and freedom.
Transcend
In our journey of self-discovery and growth, transcending the mind is just one facet; we must also navigate the intricate relationship we maintain with our bodies. It starts by recognizing our bodies not as limitations but as valuable tools that have carried us to this very moment. The initial step in being able to see our bodies beyond its perceived limitations is to honor them as steadfast companions and explore this powerful concept: our bodies are constantly talking to us. Attuning to the messages our bodies convey in each moment becomes a transformative practice that unlocks the potential for healing, growth, and achievements that were once distant aspirations.
Diseases, ailments, and pain collectively serve as indicators of misalignment in our lives, urging us to attune ourselves to the internal landscape of emotions. Our bodies offer valuable insights into our well-being through the intuitions that guide us and emotional responses that manifest physically. Our menstrual cycles reflect hormonal balance and health, our energy levels, sleep patterns, and digestive health all provide cues, while skin conditions and cravings signal underlying needs. By paying attention to physical sensations and changes, we acknowledge the body's wisdom in these areas, empowering us to respond effectively and foster a deeper connection to our overall health and happiness.
Once we are better equipped at listening to our bodies, next is to become more attuned to the feelings we experience internally. Trusting the subtle shifts in our bodies' physiology and energy becomes a shared practice – a tightening in our stomachs, a flutter of excitement, or a sense of unease. Intuition might manifest as a deep sense of knowing, an inner guidance that whispers truths and serves as an instinctual compass, signaling alignment or misalignment with a person, situation, or decision. By paying attention to the physical sensations and emotions that accompany our instincts, we understand that they are our bodies' unique language guiding us on the journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Negative feelings act as signposts, revealing when we are out of alignment in our thoughts, actions, and existence. Conversely, positive feelings signal alignment. As the saying goes, where focus goes, energy flows. It's imperative for us to cultivate a collective sense of well-being. When negative feelings arise, the goal is not to dismiss them but to tune in, explore, and understand their purpose to move through them. Once we have clarity, we can reach a better feeling by envisioning preferred outcomes and allow our energy to guide our bodies toward the creation of a fulfilling reality.
In summation, our bodies serve as a communal compass, guiding us to go within and helping us discern when it's time to move beyond, transcend, or shift from certain places, people, and circumstances, realigning ourselves with what is true and destined for our lives.
Align
The connection and alignment of the heart, soul, and spirit form a powerful synergy that empowers us to transcend limitations. The heart, as the seat of our emotions and deepest desires, acts as a compass, guiding us towards authenticity and what resonates with the essence of our being. When our actions and decisions align with the genuine whispers of the heart, we find ourselves on a path that reflects our true selves.
The soul, often considered the essence of who we are, serves as the architect of our individuality. It holds the wisdom accumulated through experiences and lessons, guiding us toward growth and self-discovery. Aligning with the soul involves acknowledging and embracing this inner wisdom, allowing it to inform our choices and actions.
The spirit, representing the core of our existence, connects us to a higher consciousness or universal energy. When we align with our spiritual essence, we tap into a source of strength, resilience, and clarity beyond our immediate circumstances. This connection fosters a sense of purpose and a broader perspective that helps us navigate challenges with a greater understanding of our life's journey.
Together, the alignment of heart, soul, and spirit creates a holistic approach to self-discovery and personal growth. This alignment empowers us to transcend limitations by providing a clear inner compass, drawing on the wisdom of our experiences, and connecting us to a source of higher guidance. It opens pathways to resilience, courage, and a profound understanding of our potential, allowing us to rise above challenges and limitations in pursuit of a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Envision
Now that we are beyond mental, physical limitations and life beyond circumstances – all things are possible. Where focus goes energy flows. What we think is what we create. Constantly feed or surround yourself with content, imagery, and relationships that reflect the possibility of what you imagine reaching fruition. Be creative. Be free and honest and clear about what you truly desire. Hold it in our minds and meditate, journal, or speak life into the vision.
Listen closely: We reach our desired destinations when we have a clear understanding of where we want to go, no exceptions. Many of us, however, find ourselves adrift, living lives dictated by societal expectations or the opinions of others. For far too long, we've sought guidance on what we should be doing, neglecting the fundamental question: "What do I truly want?" The pivotal moment arrives when we establish a vision for our desires. Once this vision is set, every action, conversation, and decision we make propels us towards the realization of that vision. Sustaining this commitment attracts the forces of life to support our journey. All the more reason it is paramount to gain clarity on our visions for life, career, passions, love, values, and purpose. This clarity becomes the compass guiding us towards our life's vision.
Surrendering
When the term "surrender" is mentioned, it often evokes thoughts of captivity or a connection to a Higher Power. While I do acknowledge the belief that breaking free from limitations and transcending internal and external circumstances may involve surrendering to a higher power—an intricate topic deserving of another discussion—I would like to focus on a different aspect. In the context of rising above thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and circumstances, let's explore the concept of surrendering to our vision and destiny.
Building upon the wisdom shared in this series, a pivotal factor in rising above thoughts, feelings, old beliefs, and limiting circumstances—and progressing towards manifesting our dreams and aspirations—is immersing ourselves in love and wholeheartedly embodying the highest versions of ourselves. We also must wholeheartedly embrace and trust in the prospect of turning our visions into reality. This is the most effective way of opening ourselves to the vast potential that unfolds as the journey of fruition takes shape.
Welcoming the notion that everything we need already exists in the realm of possibility and potential might feel unfamiliar at first. Despite its occasional elusiveness, it's an accurate concept. Hence, it's in our best interest to start placing trust in the idea that what's destined for our highest good is already in existence, patiently awaiting our embrace from the invisible realm.
To be clear, surrendering doesn't mean giving up control of what transpires in your journey but letting go of the need for total command and the need to know how things will transpire. Surrendering means acknowledging there are forces beyond our immediate understanding.
Participating in this act of surrender serves as a potent method to liberate space for growth that extends beyond the confines of our narrow perceptions, expanding our understanding of what's truly possible. It stands as a powerful tool in our arsenal that aligns seamlessly with the journey toward deep inner love. As a result, we adeptly navigate through challenging circumstances, boldly stepping into the full realization of our unique potential.
As previously discussed, rising above thoughts, feelings, old beliefs, and limiting circumstances to live the life we truly desire entails courageously stepping into the unknown. However, instead of clinging to the familiar, it's crucial to embrace the uncertainty that lies ahead. Turning inward, exploring our inner selves, and navigating uncharted mental and emotional landscapes can yield profound discoveries, paving the way for the creation of unfamiliar yet enriching experiences that propel our lives forward.
Letting go of the known and embracing the unknown empowers us to manifest experiences that were once inconceivable. These unexplored realms become catalysts propelling our lives toward new horizons. Whether through undiscovered passions, relationships, or perspectives, the willingness to venture into the unknown opens the door to the fulfillment of desires that once seemed beyond our grasp.
Until next time, embrace peace and love on the Journey Up!
Ase`!
Here's Your Daily Journal Prompt:
Take a moment to tune into your body. What physical sensations or emotions do you notice? How might these signals be guiding you in your current circumstances? Reflect on ways to deepen your connection with your body's wisdom.
Recall a moment in your life when surrendering control led to positive outcomes. How did it feel to release the need for total control? How can you apply the concept of surrender in your current challenges or aspirations?
One Last Note:
Stay tuned. The Path and The Power of Self-Love will be available for purchase January 1, 2024.
For further inspiration and resources, feel free to explore our Journey Up! Book Club, peruse the shelves of our Journey Up! Library, immerse yourself in Meditation and Affirmation Videos, or join our Growth Academy, and join our Membership Program (app). You can also join the waitlist for our upcoming Classes and Masterminds.