What if We Flip Our Focus This Season? Lent begins tomorrow. Many of us who honor the Lenten season and engage in spiritual practices during this time are familiar with the notion of using this time specifically for reflection, for examining how we can grow in our belief and for focusing on how we can better align our life and the work we do with those beliefs and God’s will. One common practice, especially during this season, is to reflect regularly on what our shortcomings are, in order to acknowledge and face them, with the intent and resolution to amend our lives going forward in order to “do better” in the future. It is a time for reflection, examination of conscience and intentional spiritual growth.
With all that we are now learning about the brain, and how our very own neuro-pathways can be primed and rewired based simply on our repetitive thought habits and our emotional experiences that result from these thought habits, I wonder what if.....
With all that we are now learning about the brain, and how our very own neuro-pathways can be primed and rewired based simply on our repetitive thought habits and our emotional experiences that result from these thought habits, I wonder what if.....
....what if INSTEAD of focusing on what is wrong (ie. what our shortcomings are, how we are failing daily to live up to the standards that either we hold for ourselves or that are defined for us by institutions, or where we have failed)….what if INSTEAD we shifted our thinking to align more positively with our God given biology?
We are wired to follow our focus so why not focus on what positively fuels us? -- Cynthia Spradlin
What if there were a way to “be better’ or "accomplish more" by focusing more on what we are “doing well” instead of what we are doing wrong? What if there were a way to “grow faster and stronger” by looking for the opportunities instead of so intently focusing on the failures? What if there were a way to serve God in higher more powerful ways without the physical, mental and emotional cost of repetitive negative self talk and messaging? What if we simply shifted how we frame our question(s)?
Now, I am not suggesting for one minute that we abandon the process of examination of conscience or that we delude ourselves into rationalizing that there is no need for improvement. I do not support making excuses for “disordered” attachments, thinking or actions (although I might also invite discussion around these messages as well). I simply wonder about the effect (short term and long term) of negatively focused thinking repeated systematically again and again over time - even with good intent. Have you ever felt guilt when that feeling did not actually serve God, the situation or you personally? Has there ever been a time when you held yourself back from an opportunity to serve at your best and highest? What about the physical effect on the body of repetitive negative thought processes?
I am not a pastor, or a spiritual director, nor do I hold any degrees in theology (although I do have a deep abiding faith and am a lifelong learner and seeker of personal spiritual and intellectual growth). I am actually a professional executive and integrative health coach. I work with individuals and groups around creating sustainable positive change, with lifelong benefits to health, wealth and well-being (both theirs and others whom they serve personally or professionally). I help clients connect at their core and tap into their strengths, gifts and talents to lead more powerfully and authentically. I see again and again through my work with my clients the power of “shedding the shoulds” and writing a story that is authentic and “positively focused”.
Please know that this post is not intended to criticize any religion, church or spiritual practice. I simply wonder:
Now, I am not suggesting for one minute that we abandon the process of examination of conscience or that we delude ourselves into rationalizing that there is no need for improvement. I do not support making excuses for “disordered” attachments, thinking or actions (although I might also invite discussion around these messages as well). I simply wonder about the effect (short term and long term) of negatively focused thinking repeated systematically again and again over time - even with good intent. Have you ever felt guilt when that feeling did not actually serve God, the situation or you personally? Has there ever been a time when you held yourself back from an opportunity to serve at your best and highest? What about the physical effect on the body of repetitive negative thought processes?
I am not a pastor, or a spiritual director, nor do I hold any degrees in theology (although I do have a deep abiding faith and am a lifelong learner and seeker of personal spiritual and intellectual growth). I am actually a professional executive and integrative health coach. I work with individuals and groups around creating sustainable positive change, with lifelong benefits to health, wealth and well-being (both theirs and others whom they serve personally or professionally). I help clients connect at their core and tap into their strengths, gifts and talents to lead more powerfully and authentically. I see again and again through my work with my clients the power of “shedding the shoulds” and writing a story that is authentic and “positively focused”.
Please know that this post is not intended to criticize any religion, church or spiritual practice. I simply wonder:
What if, instead of focusing so much on our perceived failures, we shifted our messaging to ourselves to have MORE COMPASSION, to BE KINDER, to FOCUS ON THE OPPORTUNITIES to shine the light of love in world. What if we created a habit this season of flipping our focus to what is good, and right and working well and toward doing more of THAT. What could THAT be like and how might we serve and love higher, stronger and better as a result?
—Cynthia Spradlin
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Cynthia Spradlin is a Professional, Executive & Integrative Wellness Coach. She helps business owners to breathe and lead more mindfully and powerfully from their core so they can grow their business(es) with greater ease and speed. Known as The Core Focus Coach®, she uses evidence based coaching methods, her unique intuitive approach and solid business sense to help clients create a business building blueprint which not only fuels their future and but also honors their soul. To learn more visit www.CoreFocusCoach.com.
Cynthia Spradlin is a Professional, Executive & Integrative Wellness Coach. She helps business owners to breathe and lead more mindfully and powerfully from their core so they can grow their business(es) with greater ease and speed. Known as The Core Focus Coach®, she uses evidence based coaching methods, her unique intuitive approach and solid business sense to help clients create a business building blueprint which not only fuels their future and but also honors their soul. To learn more visit www.CoreFocusCoach.com.
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