I was somewhat flabbergasted when I learned that not everyone has this same busy brained internal dialogue! I find that the more I can try to give compassionate attention without freaking out, the quieter things stay. Quite honestly managing all the mental noise feels an awful lot like parenting my own children - walking that line of attention and reassurance without falling down into neurotic anxiety or obsessing that makes everything worse. Can you co-regulate internally? I don’t know but I hope so 😅… Sometimes I think I’m the most difficult child of the bunch.
I think that's a great analogy-managing our thoughts is like tending to our children. My husband's volume dial doesn't move nearly as easily as mine. It takes very little to get my brain overworking. A gentle response feels key rather than getting angry at the way mine works. Also, understanding that there are some thoughts that will come unbidden but there are also things I can do that don't stir my thoughts up into a pack of angry bees (like be more thoughtful about when to listen to a podcast, be thoughtful about book choices, etc).
You are years ahead of me to even know about noticing and curiosity. And I'm so glad.
Thanks Susan. They are such life giving daily adventures. I always come back with a full heart (that is, until I have to walk my bike up the steep hill to our house!).
I was somewhat flabbergasted when I learned that not everyone has this same busy brained internal dialogue! I find that the more I can try to give compassionate attention without freaking out, the quieter things stay. Quite honestly managing all the mental noise feels an awful lot like parenting my own children - walking that line of attention and reassurance without falling down into neurotic anxiety or obsessing that makes everything worse. Can you co-regulate internally? I don’t know but I hope so 😅… Sometimes I think I’m the most difficult child of the bunch.
I think that's a great analogy-managing our thoughts is like tending to our children. My husband's volume dial doesn't move nearly as easily as mine. It takes very little to get my brain overworking. A gentle response feels key rather than getting angry at the way mine works. Also, understanding that there are some thoughts that will come unbidden but there are also things I can do that don't stir my thoughts up into a pack of angry bees (like be more thoughtful about when to listen to a podcast, be thoughtful about book choices, etc).
You are years ahead of me to even know about noticing and curiosity. And I'm so glad.
I really enjoy your bike rides sketches, and the photos too. It’s a nice way to travel with you and follow your creative journey.
Thanks Susan. They are such life giving daily adventures. I always come back with a full heart (that is, until I have to walk my bike up the steep hill to our house!).
Sounds lovely.
Oh I miss the hills in the Netherlands!!