Silencing our Limiting Beliefs

Overcoming those intrusive thoughts is a constant daily battle for most of us, whether it’s negative self talk about your body, your work ethic, your self worth, whether or not you’re capable or loveable or good enough or skilled enough. It seems we are always in a constant battle within our heads, fighting to stay positive, and this can feel exhausting! Recently I moved across the seas, from Australia to Costa Rica, and with this huge life change has come some really challenging times. Of course, moving anywhere, anytime, is going to be an experience that likely stimulates stress, the rigmerole of packing up your whole life to relocate, no matter the location or the distance, it’s a stressful time! I sold everything I own (pretty much), I left my cute little rental apartment which was the biggest and the nicest place I’ve ever had on my own so far (but the best is yet to come and I know that…manifesting), I sold my car, I sold all my furniture including my beloved smart TV that I had purchased for myself not even a year prior. But all of this is materialistic, I know I can live and thrive without it, and to be honest, it felt quite liberating to rid myself of all material things to just leave with my life packed into a suitcase. Upon moving I have experienced these feelings of being free, nervous, scared, brave and proud of myself all at the same time, they energetically fill my entire body. Then the next day I might wake up questioning every single choice I’ve made…

Any one who has moved to another country other than their own will understand the emotional turmoil you go through when moving, the confusion, the joy, the homesickness, the highs and the lows. One minute I’m feeling so grateful for creating a life for myself that isn’t scripted into the ‘norm’ or societal expectations and the next I’m questioning my own choices and decisions, wondering why I’ve purposely put myself in this situation. I have moved away from everyone and everything that I know and love, so why? Well guys, the main reason I moved was for love, and let me tell you I definitely don’t regret that. But anyway, my love story can maybe be for another blog, another time, maybe…

But my point is, how is it that one day we can wake up feeling like we are on top of the world, you know those days that you just wake up immediately feeling like “today is going to be amazing”, the sun is shining, you slept like a baby and you feel motivated and excited to jump out of bed and just get shit done?! We LOVE those days, and we often wish those days came around more frequently. The next day you wake up feeling sluggish, it’s an effort to even get yourself out of bed let alone do some movement or exercise, your mind throws trashy thoughts around, “you’re not good enough” “you’re not worthy” “you’re not smart enough to do that”, “you’re not capable of achieving that”.

“ Nothing can bring you peace but yourself “

To be completely honest, I’m not sure we are ever able to silence those thoughts completely, at least I’m not there yet, however, we are more than capable of catching these thoughts and redirecting them into a positive light.

I recently watched a youtube video of life coach Landria Onkka, where she details how we have the power to manifest whatever we want within 3 seconds, highly recommend! Watching this video has truly made me realise that, not only do I have the power to do this, but I HAVE been doing this, I AM doing this. Everything that has happened for me during these past 12-20 months, has been a result of my manifestation, having the vision, holding that vision with so much clarity and just claiming it. Realising this, filled me with so much gratitude, I could hardly contain it, and YOU hold the power to do this too!

The trick is this, visualise exactly what it is that you want to manifest, be so clear with this that you have a full visualisation of it. The moment your mind begins to run to those limiting beliefs, as it will, catch yourself and immediately ask yourself, “what am I manifesting right now?”, this question should give you that immediate visual of whatever manifestation you created previously in your mind. It’s quick, it’s effective and it’s powerful.

Another really useful tool I like to use to help calm my mind from negative thoughts or just too many thoughts, is the breath. Yes, in some ways, it really is as simple as it sounds. In yoga we call breath work ‘Pranayama’, we use these ancient breathing techniques for many reasons, such as: to bring awareness into the body, to quiet the mind or citta vritti (the sanskrit term for mind clutter), to find presence, to come into a meditative state, to bring heat into the body during the physical practice of yoga and the list goes on…

Limiting beliefs are universal – they affect everyone! Regardless of age, status, success, experiences, or roles, there are moments when our minds push us to accept less than our full potential. The key lies in handling these thoughts effectively and promptly, and it is this skill that develops with experience and a deeper self-awareness.

One thing I have learnt since moving overseas, is how to manage my thoughts effectively using these techniques. The impact our minds have on our emotional & physical health and wellbeing is astounding, so learning what tools can help you to have more control over your thoughts and therefore your emotions, is one of the most powerful tools you can possess.

Of course there are days when maybe you feel more sluggish or lazy, and you don’t feel as energised or positive, and that’s ok. Remembering that stillness doesn’t mean you’re going backwards, in fact it is absolutely needed at times for our nervous system to stay regulated. Release yourself of those ‘perfection’ expectations and hold yourself in compassion rather than judgement on those slow days.

I’ve also realised how important ‘me’ time is, whether that be taking myself to a new cafe for a solo coffee date with my favourite book or journal (journalling is another amazing way to break through those limiting beliefs, also for setting goals and manifesting), or riding my bike to the beach and going for a dip in the ocean in the morning or evening sun, or even just getting on my yoga mat and moving my body for at least 10 minutes. This time to do something for myself, is so important, it allows me to relax my mind, prioritise myself, self soothe and increase my dopamine levels.

I know it’s cliche, but I’m going to say it anyway, we can’t pour from an empty cup, this statement really holds true. Whenever I’ve been going through stages of my life where I feel like I’m lacking confidence and my self esteem feels low, spending more time with myself during these periods has always led me to come out the other side with more self awareness and love for myself. So happy solo dating, breathing and manifesting my dears, and thank you so much for being here!

– D’Arcy xx