Have you ever felt your world go dark, not because of a solar eclipse,, but because you lost sight of your own inner light?
Tomorrow, we will witness a solar eclipse, a breathtaking event where the moon temporarily blocks the light of the sun. It's a powerful reminder of how external forces can dramatically alter our experience of the world. But what if we looked inward for similar moments of eclipse, times when we turn our attention away from the external and explore the depths of the internal – our thinking, our mindset.
Like many of you reading this blog, for years I too searched for the answers to life's most complex problems by looking for external solutions. Stuck in a cycle of low energy of helplessness, and tension, I felt like a victim of circumstance. Many of us are living in a world of victimhood, waiting for someone to come along and save you, never realizing that you are the hero of your own story.
I understand how it feels to experience the world from that of a victim. It wasn't until my husband introduced me to a book titled, "The Success Principles: How to Get From Here to Where You Want to Go" by Jack Canfield that my world begin to shift. This book, along with a growing awareness of the power of introspection, became my own personal "eclipse." It was a turning point where I turned inward and began to explore the vast potential within myself to do the things myself, that I expected others to do. One of those things was taking charge of my own happiness. I was always waiting for someone to “make me happy” never realizing that happiness was an inside job.
Canfield's concept of taking 100% responsibility resonated deeply with me. By acknowledging my own role in shaping my circumstances, I unlocked a sense of empowerment I hadn't realized was missing. This internal eclipse, this shift in focus from "why is this happening to me" to "what can I do about it," became my mantra and the way I begin to create the life I desired.
Here's how a mental health "eclipse" can benefit us:
Clarity: By quieting the external noise, we can gain a clearer understanding of our own desires, needs, and values. This clarity can empower us to make better decisions and navigate life's challenges with greater confidence.
Reduced Stress: Stepping away from the constant stimulation of the outside world can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. During an internal eclipse, we can practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing to find inner peace.
Enhanced Creativity: When we disconnect from the external world, our minds can wander freely. This space allows for creativity to flow, bringing new ideas and solutions to problems.
Emotional Processing: The internal eclipse provides a safe space to process difficult emotions. By acknowledging and examining our feelings, we can develop healthier coping mechanisms and build emotional resilience.
Just like a solar eclipse is a temporary phenomenon, an internal eclipse shouldn't be a permanent state. However, by dedicating regular time to learn about ourselves, we can cultivate a sense of self-awareness that enhances our mental well-being and empowers us to face life's challenges with greater clarity and purpose.
The sight of a solar eclipse reminds us to look beyond ourselves. But sometimes, the most profound answers to life's questions can be found within. By embracing the "eclipse" of introspection, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and unlock the potential for a happier and healthier life.
EnJOY the eclipse!
Niki Spears