Hello everyone, welcome to my weekly audio journal.
Have you ever experienced watching a small cloud eclipse the sun, casting a shadow that makes you feel as if the day has turned into night? It's a bit like stubbing your toe on a rock and suddenly feeling as if the whole mountain range is out to get you. This is what we call 'Pervasiveness,' one of Tony Robbins's notable 3 Ps.
Let's unpack this. It's a simple scenario: You're navigating through the labyrinth of life when you bump into a wall. Perhaps it's a setback at work or a tiff with a family member. Suddenly, that single wall appears too close in from all sides, making it feel like the entire maze has become insurmountable.
But hold on. Pause. Reflect. Is that wall really the whole maze?
Life, in my understanding, is less of a monolith and more of a mosaic. Each tile - work, relationships, health, hobbies - is distinct. A crack in one tile doesn't mean the whole mosaic is flawed. For example, even if we're grappling with a problem at work, we may still be fortunate to have sturdy tiles of good health or supportive relationships.
So, how do we overcome the illusion of pervasiveness? Here are some tactics I've found useful:
* Cultivate mindfulness: Being mindful is like shining a flashlight in a dark room. It helps us spot when we're under the shadow of pervasiveness, reminding us that a single shadow doesn't mean the room is devoid of light.
* Practice gratitude: Regularly counting your blessings is like a gardener watering the plants. No matter how many weeds you need to pull, there's always something blooming. It's a reminder that despite any cracks, there are still plenty of sturdy tiles in our mosaic.
* Reframe your narrative: Instead of allowing a single wall to define your entire maze, view it as just one turn among many. This perspective shift can help steer you clear of the pervasive thinking trap.
* Seek support: Sometimes, it's useful to climb to the top of the wall and discuss your viewpoint with someone you trust. They might be able to point out the openings you're missing from ground level.
Remember, it's perfectly fine to hit a wall, or even several. The trick is not to let these obstacles convince you that the whole maze is impossible. By recognising the mirage of pervasiveness and using these tactics, we can keep a balanced view and navigate life's labyrinth with courage and optimism.
And always remember, a single shadow doesn't mean the room is dark. Shine your flashlight, and you'll discover plenty of illuminated corners.
Thank you everyone for listening.
