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'I am the queen of distraction' and in our whirlwind world, seemingly more connected (online) than ever, a quiet disconnect often settles within. Surrounded by noise, yet sometimes the loudest voice is the one we can't quite hear – our own.
When life presents us with difficult emotions, stress, or the unsettling feeling of uncertainty, it's easy to reach for distractions. The allure of scrolling, the comfort of a binge-watch, the mindless munching, or the endless to-do list can offer a fleeting sense of relief (all my habits, from time to time).
But beneath the surface, these momentary escapes often leave us feeling more depleted and further adrift from ourselves. Let's explore why we sometimes seek solace in distraction and, more importantly, how we can gently guide ourselves back to presence.
I want to mention that there are times when the energy required for lasting change can seem overwhelming to handle by oneself, or during specific phases in life. In certain moments and situations, I believe the best solution is distraction, and for a brief period, adopting an 'anything to get through' mindset is necessary. Essentially, what I'm trying to convey is 'No Judgement here'. Let's take a look at what is at the heart of distraction.
Understanding the Heart of Distraction, A Compassionate Look at Avoiding Discomfort
Distraction, at its core, is a coping mechanism. It's a way to navigate the discomfort of the present moment when life feels overwhelming. Our brains, beautifully designed for self-preservation, naturally seek pleasure and avoid pain. So, turning to activities that offer instant gratification and a temporary reprieve can feel like the easiest path. It's important to approach this understanding with kindness and compassion for ourselves.
Let's explore the gentle whispers that often lead us to distraction:
The Tender Fear of Vulnerability: Allowing ourselves to truly feel difficult emotions can leave us feeling exposed and vulnerable. Distracting ourselves can be a way to avoid these tender, sometimes painful, truths.
The Gentle Nudge of Cultural Conditioning: Many societies place a high value on productivity, often at the expense of introspection. We're encouraged to "keep busy," sometimes silencing the gentle call to slow down and process our feelings.
The Unmet Need for Emotional Tools: Many of us haven't been taught healthy ways to process the full spectrum of our emotions. Without these tools, avoidance can become our default setting.
The Subtle Dance of Neurological Triggers: Activities like scrolling or snacking can release dopamine, giving our brains a quick hit of pleasure. Over time, this can create a habit loop that can be challenging to unravel.
The Soft Whispers of Consequence, The Cost of Constant Distraction
While distractions can offer a temporary sense of relief, it's important to acknowledge their potential impact on our well-being.
The Gentle Burden of Emotional Suppression: Avoiding emotions doesn't make them disappear. Instead, they often linger just beneath the surface, sometimes manifesting as anxiety, irritability, or even physical symptoms.
The Quiet Dimming of Self-Awareness: Constant distraction can prevent us from truly understanding our own needs, desires, and boundaries. It can make it harder to hear the gentle whispers of our inner wisdom.
The Subtle Erosion of Resilience: Facing challenges, even small ones, helps us build emotional resilience. Distractions can rob us of these opportunities for growth.
The Tender Pull of Disconnection: Over-reliance on external stimuli can pull us away from our inner world, weakening our connection to ourselves and, ultimately, to others.
Gentle Practices for Reclaiming Presence: A Path Back to Ourselves
The beautiful truth is that we can learn to sit with discomfort and cultivate presence. It's a journey of gentle self-discovery, not a race to perfection. Here are some practices to support you on your way:
The Kind Curiosity of Mindful Awareness: Begin by noticing when you reach for a distraction. Pause, and with gentle curiosity, ask yourself: What am I feeling right now? What am I trying to avoid? Journaling or simply naming your emotions can bring clarity and lessen their intensity and if you want to provide support to yourself, while pausing, you could consider Reiki? It's a great way to pause, surrounded by love and compassion.
The Gift of Stillness: Create space in your day for simply being. Even five minutes of deep breathing, sitting in nature, or practicing meditation can make a world of difference.
The Gentle Courage to Lean In: Remember that emotions, even the most intense ones, are temporary. Visualise them as waves that rise and fall. Allow yourself to feel them without judgment or the need to "fix" them.
The Grounding Power of Your Senses: Anchor yourself in the present moment by tuning into your senses. Notice the softness of your clothes, the sound of the wind, the warmth of your tea. This practice can be incredibly helpful when emotions feel overwhelming.
Setting Tender Boundaries with Technology: Schedule tech-free periods in your day. Replace screen time with activities that nourish your soul, like reading, creating art, or moving your body. Consider using tools like app blockers to gently limit access to addictive platforms. (One Sec, is really good)
Cultivating Nurturing Rituals: Replace less helpful habits with more intentional ones. For example, instead of reaching for a snack when stressed, try sipping herbal tea or taking a short walk in nature, if you're feeling low in energy try self Reiki or book a Reiki appointment with a practitioner.
The Wisdom of Embodiment: Movement and connection to the body are a powerful ways to process emotions. Whether it's yoga, dancing, a gentle stretch, meditation or Reiki connecting with your body helps release pent-up energy and fosters presence.
The Strength of Shared Vulnerability: Share your feelings with trusted friends, join a supportive community, or work with a compassionate therapy or Reiki practitioner. Vulnerability can feel less daunting when shared.
A Loving Invitation to Presence:
Escaping the habit of using distractions as a form of self-medication is a journey rooted in self-compassion, not a final goal. Avoid using it as a means to criticise yourself (a reminder to myself). Every moment of awareness, every instance you choose to calmly face discomfort instead of avoiding it, enhances your capacity to stay present, and you should celebrate these moments, regardless of their brevity.
Reiki serves as an excellent tool for personal growth, assisting you in recognising difficult emotions, sitting with them, and releasing the energy these feelings create within the body. Although challenging to describe until you've experienced more than just a few sessions, Reiki works holistically to transform aspects of your life that are holding you back or keeping you stuck. The path to freedom is through, and Reiki envelops you in a nurturing cocoon of love as you navigate through challenging emotions and the process of letting go. Whether you've completed level 1 or higher Reiki training or are working with a trusted Reiki Practitioner, the benefits are immense (I can attest to this from personal experience).
However, you get there....As you learn to embrace the fullness of your human experience – the highs and the lows – you’ll discover a deeper sense of connection to yourself, greater resilience, and a quiet, unwavering inner peace and if not you may return to the safety of the screens and nom nom noming away the feelings, but please remember:
Tomorrow is another day and discomfort is not the enemy; it’s a gentle invitation to grow. And on the other side of that growth lies your most vibrant, authentic, and beautifully present self.
If you would like to learn more about how Reiki could support you to embody presence, let go of distractions, sit with discomfort and let go of anything you no longer need to hold onto, why not get in touch. email: hellonatureangel@gmail.com
Many Thanks, Light Love and blessings, Alexis Frier - Nature Angel
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