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.

Who am I? The question has been asked for thousands of years.

Am I the person who is thinking, feeling, experiencing my life?

Or is there something within me that is greater than this?

In times of inner silence we may get a sense that there is more to us, a part of us that is deeper and more authentic than our everyday selves.

But how do we find that silence when our lives feel so turbulent and stressful?

The silence comes when we heal ourselves and let go of the layers we build around us.

Through counselling we are provided with a safe environment in which we can understand these layers and what is hidden beneath them.

We discover within us qualities that are longing for creative expression.

Through this increased self awareness, we find our lives have more purpose, passion and joy.

Our relationships deepen and we gain a sense of freedom from the turbulence that once troubled us.

We find the silence within.

We breathe life into the best part of who we are.

Bridget Pannell