Our experience of reality has a lot to do with where we place our focus.

When we have an idea of what we want in life, our brain moves towards making that happen. But sometimes when there are unrelenting or intense symptoms, our focus starts to shift to where symptoms take up much of our mind space. Then what happens is our focus turns towards the symptoms instead of towards life. The result of focusing on symptoms is hypervigilance in the mind and body (nervous system).

If we can instead work to consciously and continuously practice shifting our focus towards what we want, such as a goal of resilient health, our brains update the programming over time and begin to create new neurochemistry in the body towards wellness. Then, that becomes our new reality.

The key then is to learn how to gently shift our focus, without blame, shame, guilt, or comparison. Find small ways each day to motivate yourself towards your goal of being healthy, whether that’s getting in some movement, a breathing or grounding exercise, mentally visualizing the day going well, or just thinking of something to be grateful for.

We are all on a journey and each journey is unique to us.

Try experimenting with it yourself. Once a day, when you catch yourself focusing on what you don’t want, practice shifting your attention to something you’re grateful for or something that you’re looking forward to and see what happens.

If you struggle with this or would like some support, contact me at [email protected] or call/text (805) 267-9408