Transforming Obstacles: one way to break free of an obsessive downward spiral

"One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.” -Carl Jung

Do you ever find yourself perseverating on something that you *know* is not serving you, but you can’t seem to quit? I’m talking about things like jealousy, stress, comparison to others, or feeling like a victim. Most of us struggle with these things from time to time, myself definitely included.

I want to share with you today a powerful journaling practice for emerging back into your joy when stuck in obsession and fear - or in other words how to break free of an obsessive downward spiral.

What you’ll need: Some quiet time and a journal to write your thoughts in if that helps you to process things.

Step One: Identification

Identify the obstacle that you are stuck on. Write it down. Write all about it. Get it all out onto the paper. No judgement, just let it all come out into the open. Don’t analyze it yet. Just identify it.

Step Two: Self Remembrance

Take a step back from that thing for a moment and remember your higher vision for yourself - your greater goals and values in your life, whether related to what you’re getting stuck on or not. Write them down.

What do you truly want in your life?
What are you striving towards?
Who are you or who do you want to be?
What are your core values?
What do you LOVE about yourself?

Step Three: Curiosity

Start getting curious about this obstacle. Ask yourself these questions. Allow yourself to act as an observer, writing down whatever comes up without judgement as best you can.

WHY is this particular thing able to get its claws into you? What fear, insecurity, trauma, belief, or story is it offering poisonous evidence to? (examples: I’m not good enough, he doesn’t actually love me, I’ll never be successful or able to support myself, I am nothing, men/women/people aren’t trustworthy, etc.)
Is this a delicious distraction, temporary excitement, or fantasy that I’m using to derail myself from the hard work of the journey I’m on in reality?
Is obsessing over this thing easier than facing truth, and if so, what truth am I resisting facing?
Come up with your own questions - get curious. What exactly is going on here?

Step Four: Truthful Reset

Look for disagreements between your higher vision and your fears.

How does this obstacle actually prevent your higher vision from coming into reality?

On the journey to becoming the person who you want to be and living the life you want to live, you have a choice - do you want your fears to keep you small, or do you want your higher vision, greater goals, and loving values to outshine and comfort those fears?

Energy flows where attention goes!

This is powerful.

Begin to remind yourself of your values and your greater goals - repeat them to yourself as a mantra.

Keep noticing the discordance that exists between your higher vision and the obstacle that you are perseverating on.

Let your inner sword of truth cut away pieces of story around this obstacle that are keeping you away from your joy.

Cut away and let go of that which does not serve you, cut away that which holds you back from your higher vision.

THEN, TRANSFORM IT:

Every time the perseverating begins again, remind yourself of your higher vision. Remember who you are!

Allow even the smallest thought of this obstacle to transform into a channel through which you are reminded of your incredible goals and values.

Repeat as needed.

Give thanks to this obstacle for offering you an opportunity to grow and become closer to your higher vision.

Step five: Checking back in and deeper healing work

Check in with yourself. Are you feeling better? Do you have more clarity on what is going on for you now?

If this is related to a deeper wound that you haven’t addressed to the extent that you may need to, I encourage you to seek support - a good therapist, coach, or spiritual guide - someone who works specifically with trauma would be an excellent resource. If that is not for you, deeper self investigation through visualization or meditation, reading a book of wisdom that nourishes the soul, or a releasing ritual are all resources that I often turn to in such times.

Take care of yourself - be easy on yourself - do sweet things for yourself - 
come back into the present moment - come back into love.