I Love Mondays #5: Get In The Vortex!

This week in I Love Mondays, I am remembering that life really, truly does want me to thrive. Everything that happens in my life is either something I wanted, or something trying to help me get to where I want to be. In the moment when something bad happens, it’s hard to remember to think, “Yes! Thank you for the solution!” But the more I try to say thank you to the so-called “bad”, I see how it really is a good thing after all. We have a few tips and techniques to shift your focus from the dark to the light, and to help you remember that life loves you and is ALWAYS conspiring in your favor.

Physical

1. Get in the flow.

In positive psychology, flow, also known as the zone, is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does, and a resulting loss in one's sense of space and time." ( via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology))

Coined in recent times by Hungarian psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, the concept of flow has existed for thousands of years in many Eastern religions, and has less to do with the activity that gets you there and more to do with the state of being you achieve. As the definition above states, flow results in a transcendence of space and time--or more importantly, escaping the negative and resistant thoughts that plague our minds nearly every moment of every day. When you're in the flow, you're not doubting yourself or questioning your own value. You feel free because--even if just for a few moments-- you're not weighed down by oppressive beliefs.

One of the easiest, most fun ways to get in the flow is with flow toys. Hula hoops, poi, Astrojax, anything you juggle, anything that spins, even fidget spinners are all considered flow toys. When you play with these toys, it's like a shortcut to the flow state--you're flowing with the toys. You're not thinking about what you're doing, you're just going with it, trusting where the flow takes you. It achieves the same affect as meditation--a space between the thoughts. And breaks from thought can be immensely effective at lifting your mood.

Next time you're not feeling great, or you're stressed, or there's a negative thought that you just can't shake--grab the nearest object (Kelly's been known to use colanders, hangers, garbage cans or laundry baskets) and start "dancing" with it. Throw on your favorite song and just move. Don't think about it, just focus on "going with the flow". By putting your attention on the play and away from whatever's bothering you, your mood will naturally improve. And from this better feeling place, you will gain valuable perspective. You'll realize your problem isn't as bad as you thought it was, and you might even realize that you really don't care!

Mental

2. Transmute bad into good.
I came across a video by South African motivational speaker Phillip Ramphisa, describing how he chooses to be happy no matter what. He grew up in poverty but didn’t let it get him down. He decided that instead of focusing on how rough his life was, he would focus on the outcomes that he wanted that were positive.

The formula is simple: instead of “It sucks that _______,” he chooses to place his attention on “How good would it be when __________.” This simple shift in perspective gave Phillip the energy to get up in the morning and pursue his dreams of attending university, getting a job and driving a car.

In my own life, I can choose to focus on how much it sucks that I’m getting sued, or I can think about how great it will be when my finances are cleaned up. I can focus on how much it sucks to move in the winter, or I can think about how great it’s going to be to live in a big city again. I can focus on how much it sucks that people age and die, or I can think about how great it will be when I am freed from the illusion of physical reality.

What sucks in your life, and what is the good outcome it’s making you ask for instead?

Emotional

3. Get in the Vortex!
The Vortex is a concept created by one of the leaders of the new thought movement, Abraham-Hicks. Many people don't realize that the popular film The Secret was based on the teachings of Abraham (as translated by Esther Hicks). Eventually, their segments were deleted from the film because of a conflict with their intellectual property contract. The Secret, Abraham explains, tells a story about knowledge being suppressed, and by editing out Abraham's segments, they continued to keep "the secret" a secret. The secret that is suppressed is that you are source energy in physical bodies. The filmmaker saw that people weren't ready to hear that they are god in human form, so she focused on the physical aspect of Law of Attraction.

But manifestation has never been about "getting the stuff". Yes, physical manifestations are a nice benefit, but the real payoff is coming to know yourself as an expression of source energy. The real benefit is becoming aware of how your emotions affect (and guide) your life experience.

Which is where the Vortex comes in. But what is it? Where is it? It's more of a state of mind than a place or a thing. It's a feeling. It's a perspective. When you're in the Vortex, you're seeing life through the eyes of god. You perceive every situation as god would. You love others (and yourself) as god would. You act as god would. There's no doubt, fear, pain, resentment, hate, anger or conditions in the Vortex. There is only love. And that's why it's called the Vortex, because when you are looking at life from the perspective of god, you become a match to everything you've ever asked for. Without resistant thoughts or emotions getting in the way, everything you've ever asked for swirls toward you at a powerful pace.

"But how do I get there," you may be wondering. Let your emotions be your guidance system--how you feel is your indicator of your proximity to the Vortex. Feeling bad? You're moving away from it. Feeling good? You're getting closer! Find a way to feel good about anything that happens and the Vortex sweeps you into its magnetic grasp.

So yes, when you get in the Vortex you become a match to everything you've asked for, but you will be flying so high and feeling so good emotionally, that you won't even care about the stuff. Because you have your Vortex, and nothing can take that away.

Spiritual

4. Create your own guided meditation.
Five years ago, I started recording meditation videos for fun and to help me with my own problems. Every time I sit down in front of the webcam, I am able to hear the truths I need. This practice has helped me find thoughts and techniques to address and let go of my problems, and feel good even though my mind is trying to convince me to feel bad.

We all have the ability to channel information and advice from infinite intelligence. Today, your homework is to get the answers you've been looking for. Video yourself speaking, or just write down what comes to mind. If you don’t know how to start, just say "Breathe in and _________" and "Breathe out and __________" and listen for what life tells you.