The Peace and Happiness Adventure

Addressing the root cause of avoidance involves recognising that procrastination and resistance stem from underlying emotional currents.

Here’s a breakdown of how to navigate this:

1. Identify Avoidance Triggers: Notice when you’re procrastinating or engaging in distracting activities. This could be linked to a project, task, conversation or personal habit you’re avoiding.
2. Recognise the Underlying Emotion: Once you’ve identified avoidance, take a moment to recognise the emotional state you’re in. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated, or perhaps lonely?
3. Non-Judgmental Awareness: Simply notice the emotional state without judgment. Increasing awareness is the first step in addressing the deeper cause of avoidance.
4. Let Go of Resistance: Acknowledge any resistance to the emotion. Resist the urge to avoid or distract yourself from feeling. Allow yourself to sit in stillness and let the emotion come up without judgment.
5. Surrender to the Emotion: Relax your body and mind, surrendering to the emotion. This practice, even if brief, helps diminish the power the emotion holds over you.
6. Self-Care and Compassion: After acknowledging the emotion, practice self-care and self-compassion. Treat yourself with kindness, whether it’s enjoying a warm cup of tea, seeking a hug or connecting with a friend or coach.
7. Shift in Perspective: Once you’ve addressed the emotional state, observe if your perspective has shifted. Check if you feel more open to facing and tackling what you were avoiding.
8. Take Small Steps: Start by dedicating just five minutes to the task or project you’ve been avoiding. This small victory can open your heart and build momentum.
9. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you’ve made. Dancing in victory, even metaphorically, reinforces positive change and encourages further growth.

By following these steps, you create a mindful and compassionate approach to addressing avoidance and fostering a shift toward facing challenges with resilience and authenticity.