Reclaim Your Power Through Cultivating Connection
"I’ve got the power," were the empowering words that escaped a client's lips when she recognized her ability to shift her mindset from one rooted in negativity and fear to one filled with openness and possibility. It was one of those moving moments that reaffirmed my choice to become a psychotherapist—witnessing a client experience a breakthrough that moves them closer to freedom. Now, I want to remind you—yes, you: you also possess the power. Everything you need to free your mind, body, and spirit is already within YOU.
What’s the key to unlocking your power?
Indeed, we are navigating through uncertain, chaotic, and divisive times. Like many, you might be feeling anxious, exhausted, angry, and fearful as we witness unimaginable destruction and suffering. In response to these feelings—understandably—you may have developed a perspective that views the world with fear and cynicism, leading you to focus on self-protection rather than engaging and connecting with others. When we operate from a place of fear, it keeps our bodies in a persistent state of anxiety, causing disconnection from ourselves and from one another. This mindset amplifies the subconscious beliefs instilled in us about fearing others, triggering our defensive responses.
The human brain has a built-in negativity bias; meaning we are more inclined to focus on bad news, which fuels fear and hatred. Negative information is processed more quickly than positive, a survival mechanism inherited over generations to ensure our safety. When something is perceived as a threat, the brain records that information for future reference. This function often goes into overdrive, influencing our self-perception, our daily functioning, and how we relate to the world around us.
Neuroscience reveals that our brains have the capacity to change. Thanks to the power of neuroplasticity, what we focus on and invest our energy in tends to grow over time. When we are constantly exposed to negative news, it generates toxic energy within our bodies, leading to stress and hyper-vigilance. The chronic exposure of harmful stress hormones, such as cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline), weakens the immune system and contributes to various physical and mental health issues. Fear can create a narrow perspective, making the body feel that safety is unattainable. However, we can learn to train our minds to seek out and recognize the positive aspects that also exist. As India Arie expresses in her song “There’s Hope”:
“Every time I turn on the T.V. (There's hope)
Somebody's acting crazy (There's hope)
If you let it, it'll drive you crazy (There's hope)
But I'm takin' back my power today (There's hope)”
We too can reclaim our power by deciding where to focus our attention. We have the ability to rewire our brains, shifting from neural pathways associated with fear and separation to new pathways centered on curiosity and connection. We have the ability to rewire our brains from viewing others as separate and potentially threatening to recognizing our shared humanity. This change is achieved by developing skills in empathy, seeking understanding, and showing kindness to those around us. Such a transformation enables our bodies to shift from a state of tension and hyper-vigilance to one of grounding and relaxation, activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Rather than being flooded with stress hormones from a fight or flight response, nurturing healthy connections releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin, filling us with warm, comforting emotions that enhance our sense of security.
This is not intended to diminish or overlook the pain, justified mistrust, and sources of conflict present in the world. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the choices available to you. While there is much beyond our control, which can indeed be frightening, we have the power to influence our perceptions and determine how we cope with and respond to the world around us. Our sense of power lies in deciding whether to fuel fear and division or curiosity and which path will you choose?
Reclaim Your Power Through Cultivating Connection:
Recognize at least one aspect of your environment that you appreciate.
Focus on the moments of connection that uplift you during challenging times (such as a smile from a passerby, a kind word, or an unexpected hug from a friend).
Be intentional in fostering acts of kindness.
Establish a daily routine that reminds you of the world's kindness (for example, journaling, engaging with uplifting media, or curating a balanced social media experience).
Engage in loving-kindness meditation regularly, whether daily or weekly.
Limit your exposure to news; when faced with distressing stories, instead of giving in to anxiety, consider sending out positive thoughts, prayers, and good energy.
I can help you find your power through guiding you on how to open your heart to connection. If you're keen on collaborating with me to explore what you need to free your mind, body, and spirit, allowing you to engage more fully in the greater web of life. A great place to get started is a free consultation to see what kind of services are available and whether my therapy services are a good fit. Contact me today to schedule a free phone consultation; I look forward to connecting!