Harness Your Power - On Being Empty

The last few weeks I have been struggling to find words.  As a speaker and writer, not having the words needed can be quite challenging.  I've sat down to write this blog several times and nothing, absolutely nothing comes out.  It baffles me.  Normally I have so much to say that I have to force myself to keep things short. 

I have realized that it is normal to be on empty at times.  Think of farming.  A farmer prepares the field for planting, puts the seeds in the ground, grows the crop and harvests it.  Then, the field MUST sit empty for a time while the soil regenerates so that it is ready for another cycle of producing crops.  The same goes for us as humans.  We need down time to rest and replenish, to regenerate and refill.

Why is it such a struggle to accept being on empty?  I think it's because we have been programmed to feel we must produce at top gear all the time.  We must get the results, make the mark and if you ever take a break then you will end up "behind everyone else."  So you better not sit back and take it easy.  That's the mentality I see all around me and yes, I see it in my mind too!

In a career that requires tremendous creativity, I am still learning that being without the words I need is simply part of the process.  I see that when I don't know what to write it is fine, I'm not meant to write.  I am learning to accept this emptiness and even enjoy it.  I find myself sitting and meditating.  I take time for doing things that require little creativity like washing dishes, cleaning out a closet, or enjoying a walk in nature.

The great thing is that the words do return!  And, in fact, they come back overflowing when my body, mind and spirit have had the chance to be renewed.

If you relate to this feeling of being empty I challenge you to come to accept this.  It's just one step in the process of growth and creativity.  Love the times where nothing comes to you.  Refuel yourself and be kind.  Do not judge yourself or feel as if something is wrong.  Everything is right on schedule.  When the creativity returns, you will have a new crop to share with the world around you.

I pray that you have a magnificent Christmas and New Year.
I am here to support you as a life coach and to encourage you to reach your full potential.

In humility and love,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power - What Feelings Are You Avoiding?

I've been reading a new book this week called Women, Food and God.  The key insight I've gained is that often people eat because they want to escape the way they feel.  They turn to food to numb the inner discomfort rather than opening to whatever feelings they have.

Not only do people turn to food, they also turn to drugs.  I have a friend who has said to me on many occasions, "It is easier to get high than to deal with my pain.  My pain is so big that I can't face.  But I hate the way I feel so I have to numb myself with drugs."  Because she is unwilling to deal with her painful growing up years, she is adding even more layers of pain to her life right now because of her drug abuse and the drama that comes along with it.

I write all this as observation, not judgment.  I can see how I have used work or going to the gym in the same way.  Anytime the discomfort inside me called for my attention, I'd head to the gym to get lost in exercise or I'd open my computer and busy myself with assignments.

I'm learning more these days to sit with the uncomfortable feelings I have.  To just open to them and listen to the wisdom they offer me.  The painful emotions are signals that offer me guidance about my life and about myself.  I see that when I observe and engage with these feelings, they don't overwhelm me--they TEACH me and help me to grow.  In fact, a good cry or an intense moment of anger simply passes after I feel it and I come back to peace with a lighter heart.

Perhaps this week you could take some time to notice the ways in which you might be avoiding your feelings.  Do you use alcohol, drugs, food, sex, tv, work or something else to escape the inner discomfort you feel?   What if instead of turning to these addictions you actually sat in silence to listen to what you are being told by the emotion?

You may find more freedom than you have right now if you give this a try.

A fantastic holiday gift for a friend or family member is my new book, Clarify Your Purpose and Live It.  It is a simple, rich, easy-to-read book with exercises to guide you toward a satisfying, purposeful life:

http://www.amazon.com/Clarify-Your-Purpose-Patricia-Omoqui/dp/0982912900/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1291896883&sr=1-2

Sending you love this week,

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.