Karen Restivo
In Other Words....
Any boat owner living on the coast knows how invaluable an anchor is in relationship to the boat.
The simple acts of locking up their car, (along with any stress and worries from the day), climbing into their boat, releasing the anchor, and firing up the engine instills such a sense of freedom as they head in the direction of their next biggest catch.
As much as they enjoy the escape, the anchor is a reminder that all good things must come to an end with the re-entry into reality.
Fishing dominated their thoughts all day on the job before they eventually shut down their computer and locked up the office.
Here’s where they may have encountered a little problem during the workday.
If the majority of time at work is spent counting the minutes until their 5 p.m. departure, their work agenda sorely takes a hit.
Staying focused and being productive at work was an essential catalyst in the purchase of that boat to begin with.
Another scenario might be lying awake at night as our mind conjures up a rodeo of thoughts going on in our head.
We cling to our covers as anxiety takes us on a wild ride with our pillow.
How on earth are we supposed to anchor our thoughts?
Better yet, how are we supposed to function at work with zero sleep the night before?
The secret is taking an active role in implementing your anchor of presence.
Philosopher Eckhart Tolle discussed this very issue in a brief interview on the Own Network referenced as “How to Silence Voices in Your Head.”
According to Tolle, if you acknowledge your mind won’t stop, you’re already in the driver’s seat for change.
He notes, “If you are totally immersed, so identified with your mind even the thought that your mind won’t stop doesn’t occur to you because you’ve become your mind.
When you hear the thought, ‘Why can’t I stop my mind,’ don’t believe it, because you can stop your mind.
How? You can choose to take your attention away from thinking.
And the first thing you do (referencing the second scenario above, as you lie there in bed), is ask yourself can I feel the energy inside my hands?
Can I feel that there’s an energy coursing throughout my body? Most people do.
That’s an enormous step because immediately your thinking has slowed down.
The inner body is a wonderful anchor for presence.”
Could it really be that simple? Yes!
That stream of unconscious thoughts, whether at work or while lying in bed at night, may be slowed down by the simple act of grounding yourself.
Focusing on your hands, or wiggling your toes brings you directly back into the present moment.
Many individuals might be shocked to learn how large a percentage of their day is spent on being fully identified with their unconscious thoughts.
Some indicators will pop up when you hear someone ask, “Where has the day gone?”
Or when you catch yourself trying to remember what day of the week it is.
Fundamentally speaking, it’s time to turn off your unconscious autopilot, and take back control of the priceless gift of the present moment.
In other words, have the second cup of coffee, get up a little earlier in the morning to watch the sunrise, journal or meditate. It’s a wonderful way to reclaim and reconnect to your divine nature.
Karenrestivo57@gmail.com