Better mental clarity?? Yes please…
This almost sounds too good to be true - doesn’t it?
Well, it isn’t. In fact, it’s quite simple.
But,
If you confuse something being simple, with something being easy… you will be disappointed.
And that’s how I would describe my No. 1 Tool for us guys to achieve mental clarity, and it’s called…. *insert drumroll*
Anchoring. (Insert super necessary image below)
To fully wrap your head around this daily practice, first answer this:
What does an anchor actually do? Why do we use them?
Anchors make sure the boat doesn’t sway from where it is right now.
So, the anchor is used to keep the boat completely tied down to its current spot.
Guess what… (you can probably see where this is going)…
We can do the same thing.
What happens if our minds constanty look backward? We call that rumination.
What happens if our minds constantly look forward? We call that worry.
So - on that spectrum of always ruminating on the past, to always worrying about what’s coming - where are you right now?
Have you lost touch of the current moment? Are you even taking in these words on the screen? Or are you thinking about the next task on your to-do list?
If so, it might be time to place down your anchor.
Tie yourself down to the exact experience you’re in, right now - much like the boat ties itself down and doesn’t sway.
So, you might be asking… how do I do this Andy??
Well, the beautiful thing is that you get to design your own anchor…
What is it that you can do or practice which can return you to the present moment?
How can you notice what you’re breathing feels like?
How can you notice how your chair or bed is carrying the weight of your body?
How can you notice if your shoulders are relaxed?
No one can answer that for you.
But, there are a few handy places to start.
For example - next time you feel your mind flying forward or backward - take notice of what you can squeeze with your hands.
You might need to do it secretely. It might be an object, some clothing, your chair…
But, don’t just stop there.
What can you observe about the thing you are grabbing… Is it rough? Smooth? Cold? Are your hands getting tired? Does the object fit your hand well?
Hopefully you’re starting to get the idea.
This week - try out a few different ways you can ANCHOR yourself back to the exact moment you are in - listen to what your senses are telling you.
The smells, the textures, the temperature, the lights…
Anyway… this post is getting abit long.
I want you to go out this week and start designing your anchor. It can be whatever you need it to be. What ever will be helpful for you.
And let me know how you go below or in chat.
Good luck.
- Andy
Practical Takeaway for Next Week
This week - try out a few different ways you can ANCHOR yourself back to the exact moment you are in - listen to what your senses are telling you.
And tell me how you go below or in chat!
Until next time,
*The information in this post is purely educational and does not represent clinical advice or a psychological service.*