#001: The Orb Of "Okayness"

a little note

Hello! Welcome to the first issue of The Undoing!

Everything I plan on sharing with you is a mindset shift that empowers me in a real and enduring way.

That said, just because I'm writing about it doesn't mean I'm an expert. Far from it. A personal reason for doing this newsletter is to distill and drill these concepts down just as much for myself.

This week’s topic is about activating ease or "okayness" in your body as you face mental discomfort in daily life. The self-imposed kind.

I knew this would be one of the first topics I’d explore because being able to regularly transcend uncomfortable thoughts is a superpower.

Not only does it enable you to do bigger and bolder things in the world, but it's a prerequisite for unlocking "higher" energy.

the context

Life can get pretty uncomfortable. When we talk about discomfort, we often think about the obvious anxieties: public speaking events, big deadlines, heated arguments…

But when we get still, we may notice there’s also a chronic discomfort. A background buzz we barely notice. It's always there, making us mentally and physically contract, closing off our energy and power.

Changing how we handle this level of discomfort is transformative because it’s happening all of the time.

Yes, navigating that big presentation or deadline is impactful, too. But what about the “micro-stressors” brought on by things like simply thinking about the past or future?

Over a day, these mental hang-ups (or worries) add up and become a major energy drain on our system.

It's a death by a thousand self-inflicted cuts.

If we want to, we can rewrite our internal discomfort script that plays in the background of our minds.

NOTE: It only works if we believe these uncomfortable thoughts aren’t serving us. (Most cling to worrying because they think it protects them. The truth is it robs them of energy and peace of mind.)

ready?

When you have an uncomfortable thought about a past argument, a confusing task, or a financial worry — something that makes you contract – take a deeeep breath.

How does it feel to be in your body?

Maybe there's a heaviness in your chest, a tightness causing shallow breaths. Perhaps your body gets hot and itchy.

Congratulate yourself for choosing to pause and notice this physical discomfort. Most people don’t get this far. And we can't go any further without this awareness.

We have to build a bridge, and the body — not the mind — is the portal to getting to the other side.

The root of any mental discomfort you feel is fear. The antidote is safety. Your body needs to feel safe to neutralize and let go of the discomfort.

Here's how to use visualization to create safety:

Having brought yourself back to the body, continue being aware of the sensations.

With every exhale, relax into the points of discomfort, imagining them dilute and dissolve into nothingness.

As you keep breathing, visualize an orb enveloping you. With each breath, the orb becomes more opaque and luminescent.

Your conscious exhales strengthen it. You are safe here.

The orb creates physical and mental distance between you and the uncomfortable thoughts. The more you occupy this state, the more spacious it feels. Your body relaxes. Your breaths get lighter.

The outside noise, the mental chatter: It loses interest in your headspace and drifts away.

This is your haven, always available when you need it.

If practicing visualization is new to you, be gracious with yourself. Treat this visualization like a new muscle you're working out. The more you practice it, the more you'll feel unconditional ease on a cellular level.

Breathe easy,

Silvi

P.S. Have thoughts? Please reply with any feedback or if you have sweet ideas for me to explore in future issues.

This is just the beginning. Grateful for you.

one last thing, new friend 🙃 

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