Sage Liskey's Blog, page 4

Healing is uncomfortable but better than the alternative

Healing from emotional wounds takes action, but I often get stuck in the fear or laziness of taking that first step - even though I know I'd feel way better if I did something. It's good to remind myself that inner conflicts don't just go away, they require communication, therapy, totally changing my life by moving or traveling, meditating, finding forgiveness, eating differently - they require me to take action. I want to feel good in this life, so I do the work on the road to recovery. And I can't just try once and then give up, I have to keep going and trust that working through the initial discomfort will eventually lead to feeling better. Sometimes multiple conversations are needed, sometimes switching therapists or trying multiple jobs is necessary - the healing is there, it just takes effort.

I Think I Can

Out of a survival instinct, our brains often lie to us and make false assumptions. I have to remind myself, even if I'm feeling anxious, even if I believe it will be terrible, even if I cannot - where there is a will there is a way. Failure is the first step to success, so I try against all odds and learn and grow with every step. I can I can I can (even if I cannot initially, or my mind says no no no no no). Try. You'll surprise yourself.

What five things make you the happiest?

These things should be general rather than specific - mortal creatures are too impermanent to rely on with their emotions and tendency toward death. I say that with some snarkiness, but still, it's true. My list contains: good lighting (especially sunrise and sunset), being immersed in art, cuddling people I like, having long conversations (in particular with new people), and sitting in nature (preferably around ancient trees).

Today is a great day for change.

Cat knows what's up. You are always capable of changing your situation for the better. Quit a job. Move. Think a little differently. Overthrow your shitty overlords. It doesn't matter how old you are or where you're at in life, today is a great day to embark on a new path.

Reality is created by my reiterating thoughts.

I ended last night feeling sorta depressed about life, and I knew exactly the reason why - but that one reason became a series of negative thoughts digging me deeper into a place I certainly do not want to be. Today's goal is to not think about it too much and work on righting the problem. Thinking about it more would only bury me in a negative mind state, so staying out of those thoughts and taking action is the better way forward. Step one step two step three here we go.

Community Affirmation

Community is the cornerstone of good mental health - it is a safety net that will catch you if you are willing to take the effort to create connections in your social sphere. Of course, it's not always an easy task. It requires a devotion to particular communities and friends and showing up for them in a meaningful way. 2019 has been a bit up and down for me, and in those dark places I really don't know how to forge on until my community comes through - I contact people to spend time with, or better yet people randomly reach out to me, or someone puts on an exciting event and thinks to invite me. I've been so grateful for the many times thinking, "oh well I guess I'll just stay in for another night" and then a connection I've fostered comes through. There have been times that I've lost communities, or have been in situations where there was no one I could trust, so having this level of support now feels quite amazing - it did take a lot of work though, and I know will continue to require regular intention to build lasting bonds.

Affirmation - Go To Nature

This morning I woke up feeling a bit depressed, even though yesterday was a pretty great day - so I asked myself as I do, what have I been lacking? And well there are a few things, but most notably I haven't been out to nature in several days because of being busy and the rain. While living in the city it is easy for me to forget how important spending regular time with plants is. It's like being hugged by someone you love very much. Any nature will do, but I find the best is when there are no signs of humans - no trash, roads, electronics, car sounds, or other people. Just you. Especially powerful is nature that has been untouched by humans for at least a century, if not many hundreds of years. There is something special about being surrounded by very old friends.

Affirmation - Speak Up To Heal Others

I have a tendency to dismiss people who exhibit toxic behaviors. On one hand these people stress me out quite a lot and I hate confrontation, but on the other, I often have to interact with the same person time and time again. No one can see themselves clearly, we need each other to act as mirrors. Toxic behaviors often stem from either trauma or lacking a basic need. These are notably difficult to alter without professional support, but, at the very least a person can be informed about how they are impacting those around them. I want to make society a less stressful place to live in, so instead of silently feeling anger and discomfort, I choose to speak up and voice my needs.

Wizard School - Nourishing Celebration

For a long time I have had trouble overindulging in food. There are many foods I am sensitive to, and I don't really know when I am full unless my stomach hurts. Especially when combined with alcohol, I tend to lack self-control, so end up feeling uncomfortable or have poor sleep. This started in large part from a "waste no food" mindset but also stems from stress. While likely much different than my own dilemmas, it is interesting to me that most people celebrate by doing harmful things to their bodies. I want to create a culture that celebrates with nourishing each other.

Wizard School - Healthy Stress

Stress is not necessarily a bad thing, and can always act as an avenue for growth and positive direction. I'm waking up this morning feeling some stress, but know I can use it to move faster and try harder.

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WIZARD SCHOOL is based on the human ability to transform reality moment to moment through words, movements, feelings, and thoughts. Each of us holds the power to consciously or unconsciously construct the world around us, we simply need to remember to use that fundamental skill to our advantage.