When I look at Picasso’s “Weeping Woman,” the abstract nature of the Cubist style reminds me how many of my clients feel: fragmented, disconnected, jumbled, emotionally vulnerable.
The barrage of information and images from social media and television coupled with the demands of being constantly “plugged in,” leave many people feeling overwhelmed, worn out, irritable, anxious, even depressed. Stillness and quiet seem to be a commodity even for those who do not have children, because of the pull to constantly check social media, respond to emails, tweets, likes on facebook, etc.
How can you find balance amidst the torrent of demands from your daily life? You can use your mind to change your brain, cultivating a habit of mind called “SIFT” by Daniel Siegel that has the potential to buffer you from stress.
To “SIFT” through your mind, invite yourself to pause and notice:
“What are my Sensations, Images, Feelings and Thoughts in this moment?”
Gently cast your gaze inward and see what is there. The goal is not to judge, change, or do anything with what you find. Just be open and receptive, curious. It’s the practice of looking inward that matters.
When you SIFT through your mind and your body in this way, you are calling upon the left and right hemispheres of the brain to work in concert, to cultivate both differentiation (doing what each part does best) and linkage (working together) to promote integration, a hallmark of mental health and well-being. Over time, this will help with the stress you feel from living a high paced life.
With daily practice, the “Weeping Woman” in Picasso’s masterpiece may emerge looking less fragmented to herself and others, with a clearer sense of self, an ability to observe and experience the demands of life from a bit of a distance to protect herself from stress, and a sense of well-being that comes from integration.
Email me to learn more about this and other mindfulness practices to promote Healing for Lasting Change.