How to get out of your own way

Photo: alicepopkorn's

We can get in our own way sometimes when it comes to moving forward in our lives. It’s often the result of being disconnected from the very heart of who we are. For whatever reasons – self protection, fear, an open wound from a recent hurt, disappointment -- we just can no longer hear or relate to that little go-getter inside of us that’s driven to live the heck out of life in our own unique way.

If you’ve ever experienced being stuck, you probably understand. It takes some introspection, a bit of work and sometimes a little help to remove the obstacles in our life's path. One way is to turn to someone trained in assisting people to get in touch with their inner voices. Michelle Geoffroy, health and wellness counselor, Real Living Today, added some insight into this process called a guided introspection. 

Q: What is a guided introspection and why should someone consider participating in one?

A: So many people are living their lives unconsciously; they’ve lost touch with their inner voice and the things that they truly desire in their core. They may not even know what it is they long for anymore because they haven’t taken the time to listen.

On the surface, they may look like they have everything but underneath they feel empty, like something is missing. Perhaps they are feeling scared to make a move or stressed out, anxious and unenthusiastic about life. They may even be searching for something more -- looking to connect with their deepest truths and their greatest potential.

A guided introspection can help them get in touch with that inner voice to uncover the things that will fuel passion for life. It can also uncover any blocks that they may be holding onto that are getting in the way of realizing their dreams.

Q: What do you mean by blocks?

A: As we go through life, we pick up certain beliefs from our surroundings. When these beliefs are negative, they become limiting and they hold us back from reaching our highest potential. These beliefs are held in the subconscious level so we may not even realize we have them – and they can be controlling our behaviors and keeping us stuck. When we learn to uncover them and clear them out, we can break free of them and live our lives from a place of freedom.

Q: What does the process entail to uncover them and clear them out?

A: There are several different types of processes that can be done depending on the types of issues that are coming up for a person. Each of them begins with a gentle relaxation where you let go of any tension in the body and the mind. From there you are guided on an inner journey to either get in touch with your emotions or uncover blocks. You are then guided to release the blocks and experience what your life is like without them. It’s very powerful and inspirational work.

Q: Ok, it's not a pill, it's not something you're giving us to read or study -- how does this process work exactly?

A: It’s like a beautiful garden with all kinds of healthy plants. There are flowers of every color, grasses, herbs and even berries. To keep that garden strong and healthy you would want to feed it and weed it. If you cut the weeds off at the surface they will quickly grow back again and the roots are left strong under the ground to compete with the plants for nutrients. You need to pull the weed out at the root to be sure it’s gone for good.

You are like this garden. You have so many good traits and abilities that are like the plants in the garden. Your weeds are the negative and limiting beliefs and the emotional blocks. When you go through life and deal with them on the conscious level, it is the same as cutting them off at the surface. When you dig deeper and get them out at the root, you’ll be free of them. This work allows you to remove the weeds from the root.

Let me give you an example:  I worked with a client who was having anger issues toward her children and husband and she couldn’t understand where it was coming from. During her first process she realized that the death of her sister, which happened when she was a child, was keeping her stuck. On the subconscious level, she believed that if she never really let herself love deeply she would never get that hurt again. Through this process, she was able to release that belief and incorporate a new healthy belief that left her feeling lighter and full of love; it opened the door for communication and healing with her entire family.

Q: On June 10, you’re hosting a free guided introspection teleseminar, called You Can Have It, which you only host twice a year. What’s the focus and who do you think would benefit from it?

A: We all have this inner wisdom and this deep understanding of why we are here and what we are meant to do. As we grow up, we become more focused on what our parents are telling us to do, how our teachers want us to behave and what society expects of us. We stop listening to that little voice that knows. This process peels back the layers and lets us hear what we have been tuning out.

Whether you are looking for an opportunity to uncover your deepest desires, wanting to reinforce the goals you are currently working toward or seeking a relaxing and inspirational break in your day, this teleseminar is for you.

For more information: Michelle Geoffroy will be hosting her free You Can Have It! teleseminar on June 10 at 7:00 p.m. (CST). Access information can be found by clicking on the link above to her website.