Often in response to stress, the mind gets really busy. I refer to this as a ‘spinning’ mind, much like a mouse running on a wheel. The mind can just go over and over an issue, and not let go. This can lead to many negative feelings, and an overall sense of being trapped in the situation. This is one of the main issues at the core of many counselling sessions.
A way out of this maze of over thinking is to understand the difference between ‘thoughts’, ‘feelings’ and ‘sensations’.
Often we are told to get in touch with our feelings, in the hope that we will feel better. Yet if the feeling is a result of an overactive mind, this can just exacerbate the situation.
A far more effective response is to tune in to the sensations that are arising in the physical body. Feelings of sadness are often experienced as a sensation of heaviness around the heart. The feeling of fear is often a sensation of butterflies or knots in the belly. Anger is often experienced as a sensation of heat and movement all around the body.
Sensations are a more immediate way of experiencing what is arising in the moment. It is often what we are unconsciously avoiding when we get stuck in a busy mind. So rather than using the mind to solve the problem that is arising, can you allow yourself to stop and feel the sensations in the body? These sensations are far less threatening than we may initially believe, and it can actually be a relief to give them attention and expression.
One of the most powerful tools we have access to, is the ability to shift what we give attention to. So while the mind may still want to analyse the sensation and come up with a story, or meaning to explain it, if you gently keep returning back to the sensation, and letting go of needing to understand why it’s there, you will find a different kind of wisdom that is beyond the grasp of the mind.
Counselling sessions provide a supportive environment to be able to move through this process, and also learn how to be with sensations when you are on your own, thus increasing the inner resources you have to navigate life.
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