Pattern Awareness
How to plan with your patterns in mind
Noticing patterns within our behaviors is like unlocking superhero powers. Awareness is the first step in taking intentional action.
When we pay attention, we gather data.
When we have data (ie. notice patterns), we can start to choose our responses and step off of autopilot. Living on autopilot is like living life based on default instead of design. Since I am passionate about living intentionally because our time here on earth is precious, I appreciate slowing down to notice, reflect and act. And I assume you do too and that is why you are here :).
The pattern that I am noticing these days is a rhythm I have with focused-work. I have a week full of keynotes and when this tends to happen, I clear my calendar so that I can put all of my attention on feeling present with my talks and embody the content I am about to share.
Leading up to my speaking engagements, I am filled with both anxious and excited energy. It flutters in my system. I ask myself, “Why am I so nervous? I’ve been doing this for 10 years!” The answer I get back is, I care. I care deeply about the content being relatable and useful for audience members. I care about living my purpose of helping people nurture their precious minds, bodies and live’s. I care about a job done well.
When I am talking for an hour straight, I am in high performance mode. Adrenaline is pumping through my body. I am focused and in a flow. I feel alive. Even after my talk, I feel bright eyed and bushy tailed. Yet, a few hours later the the performance crash happens. My body and brain become a wet noodle. My internal batteries feel zapped. And it’s time for recovery mode.
After years of experiencing this pattern, I finally started to plan for it.
Recovery mode looks like me blocking my calendar so I can have a lighter day of clients or creative expectations. There is designated time and space to restore. I know recovery is key to anyone’s performance game. Yet, recovery is challenging for me!
Giving my body full permission to rest and discharge the adrenaline feels both like a soothing hug and like stepping on pins and needles. My exhales feel expansive—welcoming me to settle into the present moment, relaxing tense muscles. Yet, within the release I can feel the jitter-bug impulses to do.
Sometimes, I literally have to surrender by putting my legs up the wall or fully lay down so my body can discharge the energy. But my favorite go-to practice is what I call the Three Bs. This is one of the 100 Mindful Moments I share in my upcoming interactive self-care journal (You can order it here on Kindle). I have a whole section devoted to restoration practices because we need them in the adrenaline addictive world.
If I don’t make conscious space to restore, I end up going into over-drive. I turn into an overtired toddler who doesn’t know how to communicate their needs or self-soothe. Not a fun time for anyone.
This Week’s Practice:
I welcome you to reflect and notice your patterns:
Share your noticings with me in the comments or send me a DM.
Where in your life is there a pattern you want to bring more intentional awareness to? (ie. looking at your phone first thing in the morning? Over scheduling your summer calendar? Comparing your life choices to that of your friends? etc).
Why is this pattern important to focus on right now?
What impact does this pattern have on your life?
Instead of thinking you need to change or break the pattern, I welcome you to think about: what would it look like to proactively plan for that pattern? (ie. Charge your phone in another room; block off weekends in your summer calendar to do nothing now instead of wait for them to be filled; practice gratitude for your own life etc).
Join me for a FREE Mindful Moment Meetup on April 29th @ 12pm PT where we will connect over my Mindful Hand of Self-Care framework and learn a holistic practice to support our well-being. Feel free to share with your community.