What are we Rooted In?

This blog picks up as part 2 of the blog, “How do we Create Lasting Change and True Healing?”

In my previous blog I shared a quote by Viktor E. Frankl, an Austrian neurologist, psychologist, philosopher, and Holocaust survivor:  

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."

During the blog I highlighted that there are to steps or stages to access that space in between that Frankl is referring to:

• Stage One - We have to create a pause and a conscious choice to stop our automatic responses in our nervous system. To do that we can use skills such as mindful techniques like sensory check ins, body scans, somatic labeling, and even tools like tapping or emotional freedom techniques. 
• Stage Two - To step into the pause, the space in between with a conscious desire to dialog with and select the choice that will bring us into greater freedom and growth. Otherwise we are simply delaying the inevitable same stimulus and response choice. 

Once clients have mastered the ability to pause their automatic responses via stage one mindfulness skills I teach them about stage two and how to implement what I call a sacred pause.  The sacred pause is the best way to help us consciously connect with THE choices that will unlock growth and freedom tending to both our own unmet needs, fear, and worries in a healthy way AND helping us choose how we want to meet that moment. 

The second quote I share with clients is a quote from his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, as they begin to cultivate the skills of a sacred pause is: 

 “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”  

He also says in this same book, 

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

When we enter the space in between a stimulus and a response we have a choice point. However, just because we see a choice point and feel a choice point doesn’t mean we will engage in a choice that brings forward growth and freedom.

That is why I teach stage two - the sacred pause, instead staying with mindful pauses, to help clients approach that space in between a stimulus and response as a place for healing and liberation. The power of the quality and the change that comes forward from that pause is up to us. 

The first step that happens in a sacred pause is our willingness to witness “What am I rooted in?” 

Every choice or response impulse we have is rooted in something AND from a sacred pauses point of view has exquisite reason why it is rooted where it is. So the question we are seeking understanding with is to show me what I am rooted in and why.  Such as:

Where am I rooting my choice in a past pain, trauma, or belief system that was born in the past?
How am I rooting my choice in a present time personal want, wish, or preference that is locked in and not willing or ability to allow any other possibilities or truths to change what it wants or expects to happen?

When I can enter the space in between with a desire to witness the different ways Parts of me are rooted in the first two questions above I’m able to connect with the fractured off Parts of me that are locked into inner attitudes and ways of thinking and perceiving that are rooted in either trauma responses or personal desires.  

This allows me to deeply honor that those Parts of me believe they are helping me survive and meet the demands of that situation. 

I can also honor that my different automatic responses and habits are most likely now creating harm and/or restricting myself and others from access to the choices that will bring forward growth and freedom.

From this place of witness I can open to the last question in the what am I rooted series: 

Am I willing to root my choice in a commitment to see clearly and to witness Soul-Level truth and guidance? 

The answer to this question automatically opens me to hearing, seeing, feeling and connecting with the choices and attitudes that are in alignment with the choice that will bring me and others into growth and freedom. 

I share more about this simple first question that is a part of every Sacred Pause in Episode 29 of Soulful Practices - Breaking free from trauma responses part 2. 

• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JCTkkSBiVYk
• Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3SsEwNf

For today, I invite you to reflect on a situation or circumstance that you have been seeking guidance on and practice the first step of Sacred Pause by asking:

What am I rooted in?

Allow yourself to explore what the different parts of you are rooted in? How do they think their approach is helping you?

Next invite those aspects of you to step back and open to your Heart and Soul asking, What would be helpful for me to root myself in? What new choices or guidance can you connect with if you are willing to root yourself in a new inner “attitude” or state of being?

Healing tip as you work with this simple, yet powerful practice: 

Remember it is completely natural for us to default to our survival and trauma responses. However true growth and freedom lies within our ability to access new choices beyond both our survival and personal needs and wants.  And if it was super easy we would all do this automatically :)  Please give yourself some love and support on the journey of awakening to your conscious choice.  

Looking for additional support on the journey? I just released a new on-demand 12 part video course - Healing through the Astrological Houses.  This series was only previously available to clients within my year-long programs. I’m excited to now have its wisdom and support available to everyone! To learn more about this offering and access it today click here.  

Offering you light, love, and JOY on your Journey,
Michelle