Monkey Mind
On most days I’m a fairly well-organized person– got my to do list, created my agenda for the day, have a general plan for my schedule and all its’ moving parts. And then there are other days. Those days when my mind simply refuses to pay attention to the to do list…. or the agenda… or anything else of substance. No matter how hard I try and redirect myself to a meaningful task or necessary work– my mind rebels. I’m in avoidance mode.
It’s at those times, when I’m truly struggling to focus on what I need to be doing, that I’m reminded to stop and ponder– what’s behind all this un-motivation? Is this my mind’s way of letting me know that I need a break? Have I taken time off from my obligations and responsibilities lately? Is there something about my to do list or my agenda that’s particularly distasteful, and is that why I’m avoiding completing it? What’s *really* going on here? Because I often find that the tasks themselves aren’t the true issue. It’s what’s underneath it all that’s causing the distractions and the avoidance.
We all do that from time to time– avoid a person or situation or emotion that we don’t want to deal with at that particular moment. Maybe we blame it on not feeling well that day. Or put it off for another day. Or claim that we’re too busy or tired. Or simply not respond at all and ignore it altogether. The tricky thing, though, is that stuff doesn’t go away. It sticks around, and it keeps poking at us to deal with it.
What to do??
I’m here whenever you decide you need a little extra help in dealing with that stuff. I know it isn’t easy to admit that you need help. It’s easier to stay in that avoidance frame of mind. We’re given the message that strong people deal with their own problems, and they don’t need “professionals” to do it for them. In fact, I believe it’s a sign of strength to recognize that a task is too big to handle on your own and you need extra assistance in working through it. Sometimes a set of fresh eyes on a problem can be just what you need to see a situation from a different perspective. And maybe, get you back on track to finishing that to do list.
If you’re curious about how music therapy and GIM might help, contact me anytime. I’m always happy to answer questions!
