Scattered. What to do?
Ever feel scattered? Disconnected. Out of sorts.
Funny how one event, one phone call or one ill-worded text can send you to the four corners. Being scattered or feeling disconnected can leave a person off-balanced. I know it does for me.
I’m sharing because this is exactly how I feel right now. In this moment.
After helping a family member through a rough time, I am left to pick up my own pieces to get life back on track. My to-do list just went out the window. Here I am. Feeling like the autumn leaves, being tossed about in the wind.
As an empath, I absorb emotion and energy easily. It’s the downside of this type of intuition.
I used to love putting on my sneakers and shaking things out with a few laps around the neighborhood. Now that I don’t run due to my wonky knees, I am left with a lot of hyper-charged energy that needs to go somewhere. It’s a challenge to know how to burn this all off in a healthy way.
The art of listening
Confession: I have a handful of friends and one amazing husband who know how to listen. Listen to me complain, rant or cry. They know I don’t want advice. I don’t want to hear how they handled the situation. How I should handle things. How they see things. Nope. The art of REALLY listening is rare. It’s also a learned skill.
As a life coach, I nail active listening every call with every client. (Yes, it’s called active listening for those googling right “how to” right now.)
As a parent, my active listening skills go out the window. I can see the look on my daughter’s face when my unsolicited advice is blurted out and she shuts down because all she wanted me to do was, LISTEN. “Don’t give me any advice, Mom. Just listen.”
Returning to my breath
About five years ago, I started on this path of mindfulness when reading the book, “you are here” by Thich Nhat Hanh. It was a lightbulb moment for me to learn how to breathe. To actively choose to calm my body and mind through breathing slowly. Breathing thoughtfully. To return to my breath and to return to my home. That inner place where I become stable and whole again.
So I begin by taking deep breaths because most likely I’m shallow breathing after an altercation. Deep, slow inhales. Long, extended exhales. Three rounds should do it.
Music helps
I can jam out or connect within. Either way, the sound of music brings me out of my monkey mind. It’s like a tap on the shoulder to reset my inner state of affairs. Let’s call it a musical reboot! Writing these words, I’m listening to a playlist from one of my Clarity Circles. Not only am I remembering those blissful times when my soul and heart just sing out with joy as I do what I love. It’s also an escape. A time machine to other lands or events that bring a smile to my face.
Here I am
As The Rising, by Essie Jain rings out the final notes, I am feeling more calm. More centered. I also feel a sense of purpose. Because I’m sharing these words and thoughts in hope that I might help some one. Maybe you don’t feel like you’re the only one going through this type of situation. Maybe I’ll remember to return to my breath the next time a similar situation occurs. And it will. Because that’s what’s life is all about.
Gratitude
Expressing gratitude is another way to reset things. In that spirit, I’d like to thank you for listening! And please share any ways you return to your center, with grace and love and joy.
Best to you,
Susan
About Susan and 3C Clarity
Susan Tompkins is an Intuitive Life Coach, creator of Energy Art, and self-declared Sacred Rebel. The 3Cs of Clarity — circles, coaching, and change are offered to help Women live their Best Life. Inspired by Maine’s woods and waters, Susan conducts workshops, healing circles, 1:1 coaching sessions, and guided meditations for those seeking clarity.
