...Inspiration that Comes from Within

A BOZEMAN COUNSELOR LISTENS FOR INSPIRATION THAT COMES FROM WITHIN

Imagine all the people-Living life in peace-You may say I'm a dreamer-But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us-And the world will be as one

-John Lennon

The heaviness of the world is bearing down on all of us.

Collectively we have endured so much over the past couple of years while yearning for some semblance of normalcy. Will we ever return to a time that normal stressors can be acknowledged or will they continue to be buried under the insurmountable issues plaguing mankind? It is easy to get caught up in the negativity surrounding us along with the ease of seeking it out on our devices. 

Recently, I listened to the lyrics of the beautifully written “Imagine” and I connected with being a dreamer.

Well, at least I used to be. As I reflected on the version of myself who could get lost in imagining a life where my dreams could come to fruition, the word hope came to mind. Well to be transparent, hopelessness was what really came up for me because that is what feels more pronounced. As I live more years on this earth the dreamer seems to fade and I need to remind myself of my younger self who often found the space to dream.

Noticing the barriers preventing me from dreaming has been the work that I am capable of doing. Those barriers include but are not limited to time, space and solitude. As a working parent those things are hard to find and if I do it is easy to plug in another task. Typically, running is the perfect facilitator of alone time to let my mind wander and dream.

However, my relationship with running has been tumultuous since the pandemic began a couple of years ago which I believe has a direct correlation to the feelings of complacency. For the majority of my running relationship, I have scoffed at the notion of listening to music or anything else that would distract me from my thoughts. Then Covid came and suddenly became attached to my air pods and the abundance of podcasts available to fill my run.

I justified this practice by believing that it would improve my motivation to run and in turn ground me.

However, what I have found is that it has interfered with the flow of thoughts that make my runs feel productive. I am drawn to inspiring people who have achieved goals that impress me and what I thought would inspire me. This was, and is, not the case, as the more I become drawn to their story the less connected I am to mine. 

About a month ago I took a trip to find some peace from the heaviness of life. I explored and ran under the spectacular redwood trees, by the powerful forces of the northern CA shoreline, and finally in the depths of the Grand Canyon.

What I noticed on this journey was that finding hope or peace is easier in the simplicity of nature.

I did not need any motivation to move my body in those spaces and I certainly was not drawn to a human distraction. I was fully present with my thoughts and feelings allowing dreams to be formed through the energy around me. I saw life everywhere whether that be at the top of a 250-foot tree or at the bottom of the canyon. The vividness of that life could have been lost to distraction, but instead, it was felt. 

As we embark on another holiday season, I will surround myself with natural light and the simplicity of nature even if it is only a few minutes in the cold. I will seek out the silence in the outdoors to listen for inspiration that comes from within and draws out the young dreamer inside. If you are reading this, I encourage you to do the same.

Begin Working With Bozeman Counselors

You deserve support in uncovering that inner dreamer within you. Our team of caring therapists would be honored to support you from our Bozeman, MT-based therapy practice. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:

1. Reach out now to speak with a therapist.

2. Make your first appointment at Bridger Peaks Counseling.

3. Start making decisions for your life without fear!

Other Services Offered in Bozeman, MT

We offer several mental health services at our Bozeman, MT therapy clinic. Other services offered include addiction treatment, teen therapy, EMDR therapy, and trauma therapy. We also offer couples therapy, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, depression therapy, rising strong workshops, and more. Feel free to visit our blog to learn more helpful information today!

Relieving the Winter Blues...

Relieving the Winter Blues with Mindfulness by a Bozeman Counselor

Winter can be hard. The days get shorter and darker, the holidays are often stressful and, for many, we feel the loss of our loved ones amplified. All of this can leave us struggling to cope and wanting to fast forward to spring. As Montana author and photographer, Bridgit Anna McNeil writes, “The winter solstice time is no longer celebrated as it once was, with the understanding that this is a period of descent and rest…Our modern culture teaches avoidance at a max at this time; alcohol, lights, shopping, overworking, overspending, comfort food and consumerism…”

This practice of turning to external distractions to escape our discomfort (what’s called substitution avoidance), while seemingly soothing at the moment, can often have the unintended effect of leaving us running on auto-pilot and missing out on the connection, reflection and rest that this season can bring.

Practicing mindfulness can be helpful

As we dive deeper into the depths of winter rather than embracing the pull of avoidance, it can be helpful to begin a practice of mindfulness which can help us feel calmer and more connected.

The idea behind mindfulness is that rather than avoiding suffering, we work to build compassionate observation of our experiences, integrating body and mind through awareness rather than avoidance. At its most basic, mindfulness is comprised of two main concepts: awareness and acceptance.

Awareness allows us to pay attention to the sensations in our body, the thoughts running through our heads, and the emotions we experience from moment to moment. Acceptance relates to how this awareness is approached, with the goal being to foster acknowledgment rather than denial, curiosity rather than judgment, and openness rather than reactivity.

What happens when we practice mindfulness?

When we are able to practice this acknowledging, curious, open approach to our experiences, we find ourselves more able to strengthen the connections within ourselves and with others. Being aware in this way requires us to slow down our thought processes and be more present in ourselves and the current moment. In doing so, we move away from running on auto-pilot.

Have you ever had an experience where you realize you were on auto-pilot?

Ending up at home after work, but having no real memory of the drive home? Watching an episode of a show or reading a paragraph of a book and not being able to recall what happened or what you read? When we run on auto-pilot, we miss a lot.

Practicing mindfulness requires us to, instead, be present in the moment. Thus, leaving us more likely to be aware enough to see those moments of joy and connection and more able to accept, with calm curiosity, the darker times.

How can I start to practice mindfulness?

To start to build awareness, begin to observe your body, your thoughts, and your emotions. To cultivate acceptance, work to approach this practice of observation from a place of curiosity, avoiding judgment or pushing aside unpleasant feelings. Remember that emotions are natural and useful in helping us understand ourselves better.

It is important to be patient with yourself in this process.

Rather than expecting yourself to immediately be able to be aware and accepting throughout your day, perhaps begin by setting aside a specific time of day to begin practicing. For example, as you wake up in the morning you might spend a few moments focusing on the way your body feels and noticing what thoughts are arriving with your awakening mind, all from a place of curiosity and openness rather than judgment.

It is also important to remember that practicing mindfulness is just that – a practice. It takes time and consistency to cultivate awareness and acceptance to the point that you will feel its benefits.

What if I have a hard time getting started (or staying committed)?

Having trouble getting started on or sticking with something, especially if you are feeling the winter blues, is nothing to be ashamed of. Neither is asking for a helping hand. It can often be useful to have another person come along on this journey with you, offering insight, holding you accountable, and celebrating your successes along the way.

Begin Addressing the Winter Blues with Bozeman Counselors

If you are needing support as you navigate these darker months, or want help cultivating a practice of mindfulness, our team of caring therapists would be honored to help you in your journey.

To start therapy with Bridger Peaks Counseling, please follow these simple steps:

1. Make an appointment online

2. Meet with one of our professional Bozeman counselors

3. Start relieving those winter blues!

Other Services Offered with Bridger Peaks Counseling

Our team understands that you may face a variety of mental health concerns this holiday season and all year round. This includes addiction treatment, teen therapy, EMDR therapy, trauma, and PTSD treatment. As well as couples therapy, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, rising strong workshops, and more. We also now have a Psychiatric Nurse who offers psychiatric care and medication management.