The Mind Monocle

Dear reader,

There’s a shift in the air. New seasons begin, and changes feel all-consuming.

Mansionair’s song, “Easier,” depicts the struggle of feeling stuck in our surroundings. That feeling, like fighting against gravity or being pulled in by sinking sand, can curb your instincts to find your way out. When surrounded by tasks, confronted by discomfort, and new or challenging spaces, what small step can forge the path towards focus and peace?

How do we know we’re stuck?

When faced with new challenges or environments, anxieties can arise due to information overload. When entering a new phase, like starting the new school year, following an alternative schedule, or a shift in space, emotional or physical, there’s an impact on our homeostasis or sense of balance.

Noting your emotions and thoughts enables a reflective space for alternative and kinder self-understanding.

When we point our focus to ourselves and the worlds around us, considering how they interact and impact us grows a renewed sense of awareness.

Where do we go from here?

Getting unstuck may feel like it requires an extravagant or extreme change. However, finding a way to tackle new experiences calls for taking a moment to make minor adjustments, reflect on how you’ve handled shifts in the past, and allow space for regrowth or reaching out when needed.

The need for perfect and quick acclimation restricts, giving way to self-blame, frustration, and confusion.

Taking a moment to observe, note, and reconsider allows for organized action and self-compassion to cultivate a resituated and alternative form of homeostasis.

What small step could help you march away from the quicksand? Considering your environment and what you enjoy (or used to find joy in) may help define an alternative stance against gravity.

Prioritizing moments to reflect and reconsider bridges life to resituating our homeostasis.

Taking a moment,

R.A.F