Energy Psychology for Self-discovery
Energy Psychology for Self-Discovery
As we roll into summer, our minds can become creative with projects, trips, adventures, or leisure activities. Gone are the childhood days when knowing “Summer’s here!” meant lazy weeks of doing almost nothing. Instead, mindful use of the opportunities in the second half of life means engaging oneself fully and taking time for self-discovery.
Getting to know a new facet of ourselves comes readily when we try something new or pursue an old interest with renewed vigor. But nothing can happen without setting a goal and then moving toward it with intention. The self-help tools of energy psychology can assist your progress of learning about a new aspect of yourself in step-by step fashion to overcome possible procrastination.
As an example, let’s take a classic summertime activity –the goal of growing a vegetable garden—and turn it into an opportunity for self-discovery and fun. Get started by visualizing the outcome you want at the end of summer: you might see the colors of your bountiful harvest, smell the cooking veggies, taste the fresh greens, feel the satisfaction in your tummy, and hear the praise of family or friends.
Next, ask yourself how much time you want to invest each week in the project so the size of the garden matches your commitment. Be realistic that after planting, there is weeding and watering to be done regularly.
Then, assess what you know and don’t know about the project. Find out available resources in magazines, online, or at a nursery in your community.
In short, give the project your full, careful attention at the outset. Maintaining your progress is enhanced because you have already made a strong investment of yourself.
Most people start new projects with enthusiasm and become bogged down with the every-day challenge of holding continued interest and attention. Gardening is a great teacher because nature’s progress is slow and steady, cells building on cells to produce the unique end product—a colorful veggie. The plants that grow very rapidly are most likely the opportunistic weed.
Allow yourself to notice when you get bogged down with a project. Decide this is the ideal time for self-discovery. Notice what your inner voice is saying: is there criticism? indifference? something else more important?
Treat this issue directly by gently massaging the heart area and stating, “Even though… I did made mistakes/lost interest/got distracted, etc…. I deeply and profoundly accept myself.” Repeat several times. This allows you to face your fears, apathy or distractions directly while acknowledging the integrity of your being and your healthy connection with yourself.
Look carefully at your choices and visualize possible outcomes. They may be to abandon the project, or to reconnect with your goal in a new way, or to get encouragement from a friend or someone who has more knowledge. Thus, the affirmation now can include a statement of hope, “Even though I’ve gotten bogged down, I deeply and profoundly accept myself and choose to go further by getting help from ____.”
Be persistent in pursuing your goal through times of discouragement or self-doubt. Begin to feel the satisfaction of staying with a time-limited project that can bring tangible results such as gardening. Enjoy the practical pleasure watching food for your table grow before your eyes.
Enjoy the adventure of self-discovery. Let this summer be a time of growing something new within you so that you can re-fire your joy of being alive!
Dr. Dorothea Hover-Kramer is a leading “re-firement” expert and author of Second Chance at Your Dream, the first book to apply the insights of energy psychology to healthy aging.