Showing posts with label creativity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label creativity. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Got a Debilitating Mental Virus?

People have been asking me, "Where is the daily email you send out?" 

My reply, "I got a very ugly computer virus--yes, one that literally shut my computer down for days."  One moment I was working furiously on my book and then suddenly, messages popped up and alarms began to sound.  The screen went blank and everything appeared to be wiped off my computer.

This type of thing is a writer's worst nightmare.  Yes, I may haven even let out a scream!

I was FORCED to slow down, step back and take a break from my work.

Funny thing is that it all happened when I was being attacked by a "mental virus."  Some old fears were haunting me, ones I had thought I had overcome long ago.  I felt sick mentally and emotionally.  The repetitive thoughts of the worrisome future had shut my creativity down. 

"What is happening to me?" I thought.  "I teach people to overcome their fears and self-doubts and here I am struggling with this again!" 

First I sighed.  Then, I cried.  Then, I had to laugh. 

I clearly know that a fear is a thought of the future, one that predicts a bad outcome.  I also am aware that my thoughts need not control me or rob me of my peace today.  I have choice.  My mind is my tool.  I ALWAYS have choice which thoughts I focus upon.  I know how to shift my thinking back to what I want.  That is what I did.

So, after some time studying the fearful mental virus, I cleaned it out. 

I am re-botted and re-loaded.  I am back in the flow of inspiration and peace.  I am SO glad to feel well and be free inside.

I'm also happy to have my computer virus-free.  The book I am writing needs my care and attention!

If you find yourself feeling exhausted and worn-down because of a fear virus, it is okay.  Stop.  Write the fear down.  Examine it.  It is simply a thought about the future.  It is a thought about something you DO NOT want to happen.  Next to the fear write a new thought.  Your new thought can be a statement of what you DO want to happen. 

This little poem says it all:

I must not fear.

Fear is the mind-killer.

Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.

I will face my fear.

I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.

Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.

Only I will remain.

Frank Herbert

If you get super-stuck and you can't clean the mental virus out, you can always drop me an email.

With a smile,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

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/